tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10493291576921989892024-03-13T11:16:21.546-07:00 sister jessica lyn viraldoin rancho cucamonga californiaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-65695667854994012952016-05-18T14:31:00.001-07:002016-05-18T14:31:39.448-07:00Love Is the Motive (May 16 email)<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Charity & love; it's something that
I've had on my mind constantly for the last 9 weeks or so. Recently a
friend told me, "love is your motive". That has stuck with me. I've
really been working these last 18 months on loving people. I've had good
days & I've had bad days. As I was thinking more about love being
my motive I started to see how love should be everyone's motive &
the motive of everything we do! Heavenly Father's motive is love for His
children. Jesus Christ's motive is love for His Father & all of us.
Our parents' motive comes from their love for their children. My motive
should be love for everyone around me. It's quite a challenge to love
every single person around you; but I've truly come to know that charity
is a gift that can only be given from God. I cannot envelop charity,
charity must envelop me.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I
can't wrap my head around how fast my mission is coming to an end. I
can't put into words how grateful I am for these past 18 months &
everything I've experienced. It has been harder than I ever imagined,
yet sweeter than I can even describe. I've come to know who my Father in
Heaven is, what His plan is, who I am, & how I fit into that plan. I
know God is real. I've felt Him in my life more times than I can count.
Missions are the hardest things. I've come to see time & time again
that there's no way possible I could have made it through this
experience without help from God. I am weak, but through Him I am made
strong. I've never loved anything as much as I love serving the Lord. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">But
if there's anything I've learned it's that there's more to God's plan
than we have yet experienced. Just as I know there's life after death, I
know there's life after going home from a mission. Although I won't be
physically wearing the name of Jesus Christ everyday as I have for 18
months, His name will always be on my heart. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;">"Shall
we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward.
Courage...and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be
exceedingly glad." D&C 128:22</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Thank
you all for your love & support. I'll see some of you soon, some
not for a while & some maybe never again, but just know that you all
have impacted my life for good.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xoxo Sister Viraldo</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-92057313693762260272016-05-12T11:49:00.000-07:002016-05-12T11:49:50.746-07:00May 9 email<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">(Short and sweet since we just Skyped yesterday for Mother's Day!!)</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I went back in time this week.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I had the opportunity to go to two of my old areas: Wrightwood & Chino Hills!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Wednesday
I was on exchanges in Wrightwood for the last time & it was
awesome. Tuesday night they had mutual & I got to go in & say hi to
everyone there. It was the BEST. I saw Alissa & Kealin, & Alissa
gave me the biggest hug ever! Then I went in to see all the YW
& they were so excited to see me, which was pretty special because I
didn't feel like I got to know them all that well.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuGL5M32WDjO269TLVT-jE5G2RlrSL44w8MHRuKBluCoWOSTnvafMuQlawUw6z_wMEL2y84lCBaAR2Av15SajF_RcZSt5nmTifL-zhz3B60Y3yJZQUcN1r7oqHgymJQS4xJ3_LjXMDHQ/s1600/503+Wrightwood+YW.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuGL5M32WDjO269TLVT-jE5G2RlrSL44w8MHRuKBluCoWOSTnvafMuQlawUw6z_wMEL2y84lCBaAR2Av15SajF_RcZSt5nmTifL-zhz3B60Y3yJZQUcN1r7oqHgymJQS4xJ3_LjXMDHQ/s400/503+Wrightwood+YW.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrightwood YW</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We
had a great day! Our dinner fell through with a less active, & as
we were going to visit someone, Brother Howe came outside his house
& was super surprised to see me! I asked him what him & his wife
were doing for dinner & he said "feeding you!" haha. Sometimes it's
nice being a missionary. They made us some awesome hot pot. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The
other highlight of the week was going down to Chino Hills for the
baptism of Ben Nelson. Ben is 14 years old & he's someone Sister
Bergstrom & I both taught! He finally got permission from his mom to
be baptized & it was a glorious day! I got to see some of my most
favorite people of all time too! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_AMrtNVu88oow1w-S2b5Kx0u1gzAnB9lmg3ZmteN3KAyhgqSxVQvv3sldf4EIzOA_oG_Mfr0_KVq47h63tCf5Ma_hs5s3UNHXq6iuAlbggAikNVKyoREsqvkgMf4zmL04aH5vRbBwfg/s1600/507+In+a+text+from+a+member+-+at+Ben%2527s+baptism+5-7-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_AMrtNVu88oow1w-S2b5Kx0u1gzAnB9lmg3ZmteN3KAyhgqSxVQvv3sldf4EIzOA_oG_Mfr0_KVq47h63tCf5Ma_hs5s3UNHXq6iuAlbggAikNVKyoREsqvkgMf4zmL04aH5vRbBwfg/s400/507+In+a+text+from+a+member+-+at+Ben%2527s+baptism+5-7-16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Also
my last MLC was this week & it was awesome. Not only that, but it
was on my 18 month mark! So to honor that, we got a picture of all of us.
Elder Jensen, Elder Redhair, Sister Martinez & me. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZrQm-xjqUWFtIhQzP1_G-zkFyaBuRe4Ul8xFpDepX8JG7vzy2IiF2cRZhyphenhyphenwgz_ZNZxgZ7B7KeuvBa2sX6ED-Ua715i927LckQ-CcazNbKmZVVC_RSWqzYVMB41I75vdMNBZsLDsUlDc/s1600/505+At+our+last+MLC+meeting+on+my+18-month+mark%252C+Sis+Martinez%252C+Elder+Jensen%252C+Elder+Redhair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZrQm-xjqUWFtIhQzP1_G-zkFyaBuRe4Ul8xFpDepX8JG7vzy2IiF2cRZhyphenhyphenwgz_ZNZxgZ7B7KeuvBa2sX6ED-Ua715i927LckQ-CcazNbKmZVVC_RSWqzYVMB41I75vdMNBZsLDsUlDc/s400/505+At+our+last+MLC+meeting+on+my+18-month+mark%252C+Sis+Martinez%252C+Elder+Jensen%252C+Elder+Redhair.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">STLs and Zone Leaders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">And we didn't get a chance to get the best ward mates picture ever, so we did that too. :)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oUrHh33GKE3NRsRLL6nmlbf65SS_gs8EvCorgX-oh3R6rDf9w4PJE3be22r6PcKMIbdltX4cd2-efzZpFI8PuN2R1MmHf97Ss3CmpdVzznEfUCmsiX7u9h5yqyiyRecc6UQwKpBY7Rc/s1600/506+Last+MLC+meeting+-+best+ward+mates+5-5-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oUrHh33GKE3NRsRLL6nmlbf65SS_gs8EvCorgX-oh3R6rDf9w4PJE3be22r6PcKMIbdltX4cd2-efzZpFI8PuN2R1MmHf97Ss3CmpdVzznEfUCmsiX7u9h5yqyiyRecc6UQwKpBY7Rc/s400/506+Last+MLC+meeting+-+best+ward+mates+5-5-16.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-85869628266610495292016-05-04T12:37:00.003-07:002016-05-04T12:37:52.895-07:00God's love is for everyone (May 2 email)<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I told you last week how Sister Bergstrom & I were praying for patience & boy did we learn something.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This week was crazy.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">168 hours in a week. 84 hours together. 84 hours apart.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I can't go into details about what happened, but I learned a lot about God's timing. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Pretty much, we were on exchanges from Tuesday night at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1277118648" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:30</span></span>-<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1277118649" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span> morning, then exchanged with another set of sisters <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1277118650" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span> night until <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1277118651" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span> night. Poor Sister B slept in her own bed only 3 nights this week. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Because of exchanges I've come to appreciate my companion even more :') But all in all it was a pretty great week with good things happening all around.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Crystal
is doing amazing! She is reading her scriptures & praying daily.
What's even more remarkable is that she has a hard time comprehending
things, especially the scriptures, yet she pushes through. She attends as
many institute classes as possible. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Jane
is still good. Things have been going on with the family she's living
with. The mom had to get surgery & so Jane has been super stressed
taking care of her, worrying about her family in WA & finishing up
school.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We found 2 new investigators in YSA, Taylor & Jessica. Taylor wants to be baptized in July!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Genie & Murry are doing well & progressing toward baptism on the 14th of this month! They
came to church & loved it until Murry had an anxiety attack &
had to leave. But he got his first priesthood blessing & it really
helped. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1277118652" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Saturday</span></span>
we had a cool miracle! I was on exchanges with Hermana Metcalf & we
were going to try a YSA potential in felony flats. Yeah, that's what
they call it...don't worry we went during the day time & it's not
THAT bad. There was a lady sitting outside with all her belongings &
we asked her how she was doing. She just looked really sad & said
"I'm waiting for the police to show up." (not gonna lie, that freaked me
out a little) I walked up closer to her & asked if we could share
our card. She asked if we were JWs & I said no, we're mormons! She
said "I'm mormon too". That was unexpected. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We started talking to her
more & she's in a pretty rough place in her life. Her roommate stole
her money & kicked her out & other stuff. We gave her a Book of Mormon
& she almost cried! We asked if she wanted a blessing & we
called the elders to come by. It was a really great experience. We got
her information & called the Bishop of the ward she lives in, which
is Desert Knolls. She really wants to start coming back to church &
getting her life together again. She bought cigarettes also that morning
to help calm her down, something she hadn't done <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1277118653" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">in 5 years</span></span>
& when we came up to her she was holding one in her hand, but as we
sat & talked with her she had no desire to smoke it anymore. She'd
been praying for help that morning & Heavenly Father was very aware
of her. I know that He sent us there at that time just for her. It was
amazing to see how very personal He is & how He uses US as His hands
on this earth.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
xoxo Sister Viraldo </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJY9-GvYUA5cu9G7Gw77ikeSbWJp-AbJZqYtUEObsncxzQePz9QAMycWX_CKfqHfkxDW0_wSsFUy7WO4HxnzLxYtYqhRzSO2LeIGShXcKzxf33ufoL436QjMbguF4YnjR7PJHh1iZyx3Q/s1600/501+Exchanges+with+La+Mesa+Hermanas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJY9-GvYUA5cu9G7Gw77ikeSbWJp-AbJZqYtUEObsncxzQePz9QAMycWX_CKfqHfkxDW0_wSsFUy7WO4HxnzLxYtYqhRzSO2LeIGShXcKzxf33ufoL436QjMbguF4YnjR7PJHh1iZyx3Q/s640/501+Exchanges+with+La+Mesa+Hermanas.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On exchanges with the La Mesa Hermanas!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-2692867460763527722016-04-28T10:56:00.001-07:002016-04-28T10:56:47.109-07:00Become (April 25 email)<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Another week has gone by & here I
am trying to think of what to write. Today's one of those 'procrastinate
writing an email & do anything else you can think of BUT that'
days. I don't know why, it just is.</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This week was a very good week. The highlight was <b style="font-size: large;">Crystal got baptized!</b> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglirIYXN1zedSLNLnNVnVWRr1G3lte-U0ZGMmuoqDqpJdYU2Nt7ueM4fxWacYC-2SNoM9c4nYjTzbfjqFB2SJpuKkTLvKWMr0il7QYayFjKvN1ksnVWyn7EahkeEgII9a7czWWQPXC6vs/s1600/494+Crystal+after+her+baptism.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglirIYXN1zedSLNLnNVnVWRr1G3lte-U0ZGMmuoqDqpJdYU2Nt7ueM4fxWacYC-2SNoM9c4nYjTzbfjqFB2SJpuKkTLvKWMr0il7QYayFjKvN1ksnVWyn7EahkeEgII9a7czWWQPXC6vs/s400/494+Crystal+after+her+baptism.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It was a very happy day for all of us! It was full of the Spirit. Sister Bergstrom & I had the opportunity to sing Joseph Smith's First Prayer. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_754556516" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span> she got confirmed a member of the church & received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. What an incredible experience! A lot of this week was preparing for her baptism. We had a lesson with her every day prior to <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_754556517" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span>.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Went on a couple exchanges Wednesday & <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_754556518" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span>. We
had a great lesson with Genie & Murry this week. Sister Bergstrom
& I decided we needed to push back their baptismal date a couple
weeks so we could have time to finish teaching them the lessons. I was
kinda worried about how Murry would take it, but by the grace of God he
took it very well! No worries there. They will be baptized on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_754556519" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">May 14th</span></span>
:)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">They are starting to read the Book of Mormon together too! We taught
them the commandments of scripture study, obedience, keeping the Sabbath day holy, & prayer. Genie said "it will be a lot of change",
but that she would keep those commandments. They unfortunately weren't
able to come to church this week because Murry forgot to take his meds
the night before.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Well,
that's about all the info I have from this week, but I have a cool
quote from doing "My Plan" this week. (what "my plan" is: "This program
is to assist you as you prepare to return home. The program is designed
to help you set goals and make plans so you can continue to grow and
progress spiritually following your missionary service.")</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">"In
contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know
something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become
something." - </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;">Elder Dallin H. Oaks</span><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;">I've
liked that word for awhile now; become. The gospel of Jesus Christ is
how we progress in this life & in eternity. This life is meant for
us to grow. Sister Bergstrom & I have been working on a Christlike
attribute each week for a few weeks now. Today we started working on
patience. Yes. It's pretty scary to pray for patience sometimes, but we
shouldn't be scared to progress & become who our Heavenly Father
wants us to become. That's what this life is about. I'm looking forward
to seeing what praying for patience can do for me this week. I'll let
you know what Heavenly Father throws my way to test me! Wish me luck!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;">xoxo Sister Viraldo</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-50531159158466848172016-04-20T18:07:00.000-07:002016-04-20T18:07:20.469-07:00Love--The Essence of The Gospel (April 18 email)<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I don't have too much to write about this week, so I'll sum it all up pretty quick.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We
got a couple new investigators in YSA from the Maple Sisters, but one
has already dropped us because her parents are anti & she doesn't
want to go against them. She was super solid though. One day, one day.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We
had a couple lessons with Jane & Crystal. Crystal is excited for
her baptism! She went to West Virginia this weekend to visit some
friends. They had this trip planned for a long time. We expressed to her
the importance of going to church & she ended up going to church
there with her friends!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I
got to go on exchanges with Sister Pinto! She's the cutest, sweetest
Navajo ever! (she's 100% Navajo Native American) 'twas a good day.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhftkMbLuFLGnetMf_wcoVVhp_5mXF3fIwAmrEvJjNedeU1Rzkpo7ZdquD7J5roWuYzzY3plTgP839xL3k306FnHKwakLUu_P5i5_CGIKit02l8ZqdNdyEIP-68rVa5xgR-ITm8quqME/s1600/483+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhftkMbLuFLGnetMf_wcoVVhp_5mXF3fIwAmrEvJjNedeU1Rzkpo7ZdquD7J5roWuYzzY3plTgP839xL3k306FnHKwakLUu_P5i5_CGIKit02l8ZqdNdyEIP-68rVa5xgR-ITm8quqME/s640/483+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">So I say I don't have much to write about this week because <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_250893917" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Thursday</span></span> Sister Bergstrom had oral surgery done. She was in a lot of pain most all weekend, so we stayed inside & let her rest all <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_250893918" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span> until institute, all <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_250893919" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span>, & all <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_250893920" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span>
except for the lesson we had with Genie & Murry & Jane. Sister
Bergstrom was a trooper through it all, but I'm still kinda sad she
wasn't loopy after surgery. :/</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Now on to the subject line of my email:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This
week in the Mojave Narrows ward we had ward conference. In preparation
for ward council, the stake presidency wanted each ward to come up with a
topic that they would like to be "trained" on in ward council by the
stake presidency. Our ward council chose charity & love. President
Gibbons, who just so happens to be the institute teacher & counselor
in the stake presidency & also one of my favorite teachers ever,
gave the training. He used President Monson's talk from April 2014 General Conference
titled "Love--the Essence of the Gospel" & that talk has changed my
life. I'm not meaning to sound really dramatic when I say that, haha.
But really, I've been thinking about charity & love a lot these past
few weeks because that is something that I've come to gain more of on
my mission, but I know I could use more, especially in transitioning into
home life after my mission. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I've
also been thinking about charity & how loving our ward is to Murry.
Lots of people have noticed & commented about him to us &
saying how great it is to see him & how delightful he is. It's been
amazing to see how loving & caring they are to him. I've learned a lot about charity & how important it is. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/love-the-essence-of-the-gospel?lang=eng" target="_blank">https://www.lds.org/general-<wbr></wbr>conference/2014/04/love-the-<wbr></wbr>essence-of-the-gospel?lang=eng</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Read
this talk, ponder it, & pray about things you can improve on. I
know as we were discussing it, the Spirit has prompted me how I can
improve in so many areas. Love is the answer to most problems in the world. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xoxo Sister Viraldo</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-28338880076635400702016-04-16T13:57:00.003-07:002016-04-16T13:57:45.112-07:00Celestial Transfer: Week 1<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I'm going to start off
by addressing the elephant in the room. Today is the start of my last
transfer as a full-time missionary. It's super weird if I think about it
too long, so I don't let myself. I've been blessed by Heavenly Father
to stay focused & driven to being diligent & working hard til
the end. The inevitable is bound to come, so why worry about it? I love
life right now, but if there's one thing I've learned on my mission it's
that there's life after death. So things are good, I'm staying sane
& that's all I could ask for.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">And I'm SOOO happy to say that I am still in Apple Valley, Mojave
Narrows/Ridgecrest YSA with Sister Bergstrom. We are Celestial
companions. I guess that's what they call companions that are together
for 3 transfers. My first & only 3 transfer companion & I
couldn't have asked for a better one!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWdO4MtDrekySRK64ErLsRaQqaf0_dXxQSNrC8ybdyiXdaQY1QcATkiieFNuQnu366uq8BfTeTHHFprFSJSoo8qh9JXK3KLe9AKS4M50hP17OuVcpLo8cBT3-Ja5RtXwijzh1Kcr-OQg/s1600/479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWdO4MtDrekySRK64ErLsRaQqaf0_dXxQSNrC8ybdyiXdaQY1QcATkiieFNuQnu366uq8BfTeTHHFprFSJSoo8qh9JXK3KLe9AKS4M50hP17OuVcpLo8cBT3-Ja5RtXwijzh1Kcr-OQg/s400/479.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In other news, my friend &
fellow missionary I came out with, Elder Jensen, is the new Assistant to
the President! Wow. Life is crazy, folks.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I
take a look at the past couple transfers & realize I've grown &
learned so much. Lately Sister Bergstrom & I have been noticing our
lack of disappointment/discouragement when we lose baptismal dates,
when nobody seems interested, & when investigators aren't
progressing & drop us. I know I've mentioned this before, but I'm
going to reiterate it. Our purpose is to find the prepared. Those who
are ready to listen to & accept the message we have to share. We've
been blessed lately to be finding & teaching really prepared people
including Jane, Crystal, Genie & Murry. Because we've experienced
teaching them, we have a better idea of who's prepared & who's not.
Don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean we judge everyone we come across
as whether they are the ELECT or not...we still talk to everyone &
invite everyone to learn!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Jane did not get baptized <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_734389606" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Saturday</span></span>--BUT
do not fret! She is still amazing & prepared & wanting to get
baptized. She just wants her family to be there. Her family lives in
Washington state, so she's planning to be baptized there this summer.
(& mom, don't worry about me...I'm fine!) It's all in God's timing. I
firmly believe also that if she is meant to be baptized down here the
Spirit will prompt her & she will obey.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKB2QSKFWmnkZ2QfPyzYrdqX1c1qFdU9ULAUUfBI165kuvUrzLSiYS-PeWoxll3s0DYit1GDBjcshTkdzMiycUw2EjEODfpiFrgBM-eB5-GobZTuqySRKnpMjdqp0-E5KBOd0seRgnCA/s1600/470+Jane+and+apples.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKB2QSKFWmnkZ2QfPyzYrdqX1c1qFdU9ULAUUfBI165kuvUrzLSiYS-PeWoxll3s0DYit1GDBjcshTkdzMiycUw2EjEODfpiFrgBM-eB5-GobZTuqySRKnpMjdqp0-E5KBOd0seRgnCA/s400/470+Jane+and+apples.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jane and apples</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Update
on Genie & Murry: They both got caught up a little bit on 1 Nephi 4
where Nephi is told to slay Laban. Gosh darn it. It's okay, they'll get
past it! But they really seem to like the Book of Mormon. We committed
Genie to read the first chapter, & when we came back a couple days
later she had read all of 1 Nephi! She is an avid reader :) When we came
Murry spilled to us that he hasn't read since we were there last &
how he lied to us & God, so before we came he started reading. His
comprehension is amazing! He was talking all about how Laman &
Lemuel were beating Nephi with a rod & how that wasn't nice. He
offered to say the opening prayer & apologized for lying to us &
God. It was so cute haha.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">They watched the last session of Conference <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_734389607" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Sunday</span></span>
& loved it. Well, Murry fell asleep, but Genie loved it! Murry did
love the picture of the dinosaur during Elder Holland's talk haha. Genie
said she knew the speakers are servants of God. We taught them the Plan
of Salvation & the Gospel of Jesus Christ this week. They came to
church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_734389608" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Sunday</span></span>
& LOVED it. In gospel principles Murry said, "we used to go to a
fake church! it was a fake church! they didn't talk about God! this is a
real church!" Luckily he was comfortable enough to go with someone to
3rd hour, & after church he put his arm around his mom & said
"Mom! I loved it. Can we come back next week?! PLEASE? Do you promise?!"
Best. Thing. Ever. As of now their baptism is still planned for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_734389609" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">April 30</span></span>.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Crystal
is doing amazing! She loves everything we teach her & is making
soooo many friends in YSA! She's excited for her baptism on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_734389610" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">April 23</span></span> :)</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">That's about it for this week! Give Jacob, Ali & Evie hugs & kisses from their favorite aunt!!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Love you all, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xoxo Sister Viraldo</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs79bRfLKYfkL09rqLhDPdtFxWcgjtqgTWbQ9d38bkVSDfYX2f7LDPX2A7S83xqXzpqzvjSo7dy1mC0i3szuolKCLrtFC-rgLU9hIQnJirKzFgEbqsjSfyRxhUwy4C3uTfiflc2V_uJMU/s1600/480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs79bRfLKYfkL09rqLhDPdtFxWcgjtqgTWbQ9d38bkVSDfYX2f7LDPX2A7S83xqXzpqzvjSo7dy1mC0i3szuolKCLrtFC-rgLU9hIQnJirKzFgEbqsjSfyRxhUwy4C3uTfiflc2V_uJMU/s400/480.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-12411355684862270532016-04-08T11:27:00.000-07:002016-04-08T11:27:55.996-07:00Week 7...what?! (April 4 email)<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">For some reason Sister Bergstrom & I
have been extremely blessed in both our areas lately. We can't think of
any rhyme or reason except for the fact we're trying our hardest every
day, allowing ourselves to be instruments in the hands of the Lord,
& boy, is He bringing about great things!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Last
week I told of the miraculous story of meeting Genie & Murray.
Well, we taught them this week & set a baptismal date with them.
They really want to be baptized. Murray is 19 & has autism. He said
such a sweet & heartfelt prayer, like he was talking to his father.
He also added in some questions that are near & dear to his heart
such as: please help us find the new species from Noah's ark & that
God will guide us in our dreams. It was probably my favorite prayer I've
ever heard. We had a good lesson with them <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1326695111" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span> evening about prophets & invited them to watch Conference <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1326695112" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Sunday</span></span>.
Genie told us she watched the afternoon session & really liked the
messages but didn't understand who the seven or twelve are...haha</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I
don't remember if I wrote last week, but as we were heading home from
institute on Thursday we got a call from Cassandra (a member in YSA)
telling us her friend, Crystal wants to take the lessons. So Tuesday we
had a lesson with them at the institute building & it was AMAZING!
We taught the Restoration & she said "This HAS to be true!" We set a
baptismal date for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1326695113" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">April 23</span></span>
which just so happens to be her 29th bday! We've had a couple other
lessons & they've gone amazing as well. She is SO prepared. She even
watched both sessions of General Conference <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1326695114" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Saturday</span></span> at the institute building.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Jane is still Jane & is progressing toward baptism for this week. If all goes well, she'll be baptized <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1326695115" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Saturday</span></span>! She LOVED Conference this weekend. She watched <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1326695116" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span> morning by herself & we watched <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1326695117" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span> afternoon at her house.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We
finally had a lesson with Toni in YSA, who has been a potential for a
couple months, but has been way too busy to meet with. She & her
roommate are going through difficult things right now & really
wanted to meet with us. We taught them about the Atonement &
baptism. They both committed to be baptized in May. :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We
found out this week that Michael was moving, but just to another part
of Apple Valley. We brought up the YSA ward & he said that sounded
cool, so we passed him off to the elders to teach him. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We had MLC this week & it was so great! This month we're studying chapter 4 of PMG, recognizing the Spirit. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We
had a really nice dinner with a VERY less active member, Jessica. I
might've mentioned her before. Her husband is a nonmember & active
catholic. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Well,
my last thought for the week is about General Conference. So many good
talks, so much spirit felt this whole weekend as we listened to Special
Witnesses of Jesus Christ speak to us. I
LOVED President Uchtdorf's talk about reaching out to God &
obedience. Also, Elder Hales's talk about the Holy Ghost, so good! And
of course Elder Holland's. But this time I didn't just LOVE his talk,
but it hit me pretty hard & comforted me with some concerns I've
been having lately about going home. But I know that the Lord blesses
those who want to improve. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Well,
this is the final email before the beginning of my last transfer in the
mission. I'm looking forward to see what this new transfer has to
offer. Take care!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xoxo Sister Viraldo</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-4060327113720279862016-04-05T10:33:00.003-07:002016-04-05T10:33:50.450-07:00I forgot my planner, so this is the best you get... (March 28 email)<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Happy day after Easter!</span><div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I LOVE Easter! We had a couple really nice meetings full of the Spirit & learning about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">So
get this: this week we tried a potential named Louis. He considers
himself more of a Jew than Christian because he's not sure about Jesus
Christ. We taught him about the Plan of Salvation & he seemed to
really like what we taught. We invited him to come to church on Easter
& he said "I'll see what I have going on." which usually means, no
thanks. After Sacrament meeting in Mojave Narrows a guy stands up a few
pews in front of us & guess who?! LOUIS! He actually came!! &
seemed to really enjoy it. We introduced him to Bishop Schaeffer &
everyone was really friendly to him :) (Side note: go out of your way to
say hi to anyone new you see at church, it could make or break their
experience.) </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Here is the news about Jane......</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">She's still amazing. She's so amazing that we moved her baptismal date up a week to <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1990215984" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">April 9th</span></span> because she is so prepared & really excited & ready for it. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I
went on exchanges with one of my favorite people ever...but I didn't
know she was my favorite person because I just met her! Her name is
Sister Johnson & this is her first transfer. She's serving in
Wrightwood! She came to my area & we had a blast. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6Fzoj-DF-fKWLxnhAhs3J4T2wT-WAqy02rX2ZNJoBYWvV5EL7nkAEc5DIRhSWCa0o0NCzt82t1ymycWgvohU5ILEmWKWtV_Bs1JeAkXid1O1GxhGLOg-hz3oJ13Sn6JFuhK6C_2xXHI/s1600/462+Sis+Johnson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6Fzoj-DF-fKWLxnhAhs3J4T2wT-WAqy02rX2ZNJoBYWvV5EL7nkAEc5DIRhSWCa0o0NCzt82t1ymycWgvohU5ILEmWKWtV_Bs1JeAkXid1O1GxhGLOg-hz3oJ13Sn6JFuhK6C_2xXHI/s320/462+Sis+Johnson.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">One
cool experience we had: We had about 30 minutes before our next lesson
& I didn't know what we had planned because I forgot my planner at
home, so I just started driving & decided we'd tract a road. I
didn't know where I was going though...I just drove until I found a road
that looked good. (The hardest part about going on so many exchanges is
not knowing where your companion has already tracted.) We got to
Tehachapi, which is a road Sister Bergstrom & I were on just the
other day, usually you'd think, "oh we were just here, we should
probably find a new one" but for some reason it felt good. We tried 2
houses, no one home, not interested. One more before it was time to go. We
knocked & a lady & her son came to the door, Genie &
Murray. Genie is so sweet & has been to our church before. Murray
has a mental disorder & talks a whole lot, but LOVES God. We could
barely get a word in, but we asked if there was another time we could
come back to teach them more. Murray said "Please mom! Please?" Like I
said, we didn't get to talk much, but it seems like they are super
prepared. It was amazing to see how the Lord led us there without even
knowing it at the time.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">That's
so awesome you had such a good Easter! Wish I was there :) </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Hope you have a wonderful week & I'll "talk" to you again in a short few days!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">love you so much!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xoxo Sister Viraldo</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-37425298641850908642016-03-28T15:35:00.003-07:002016-03-28T15:35:32.468-07:00The Lord is preparing people! (March 21 email)<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">"Find the prepared, teach repentance, baptize converts"</span><div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I
guess I didn't fully understand that statement until this week.
Throughout my mission I've tried to find the prepared. Most of the time
we meet those who are needing a little direction in their life &
good experiences with the gospel, but who aren't quite prepared to
receive it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't understand until I met Jane. Jane is the most prepared person I've ever met. She
is kinda dating a member, so she's been exposed to Mormons a little,
but didn't know much at all. She messaged a member in the YSA one day
saying that she wants to learn more & that she's coming to
institute. She came to institute & we met her afterwards. We set up a
lesson for Saturday, but when we got home we thought, maybe we can meet
with her tomorrow...? We texted her & she said yes! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Friday
we brought Jayleen with us to teach Jane. We asked her about her experiences
with the church & she said she went to stake conference last week
& one of the talks was about a happy marriage. She explained how she
just felt so good & happy & started crying. Then she mentioned
how every Sunday she goes to family dinner with her boyfriend's
grandparents & afterwards they read scriptures. She again explained
how she feels when she's there by "a blissful feeling". We helped her
recognize that those feelings she gets are from the Spirit telling her
the things she is learning are good & true. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We talked to her about how she
can have those feelings & the Spirit's guidance always when she is
baptized & receives the gift of the Holy Ghost. She said "I want
that! But I want to learn more first." We couldn't help but laugh &
say "Oh, don't worry...we HAVE to teach you more first!" We set a
baptismal date with her for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1888316576" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">April 16th</span></span>. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday
the Desert Knolls sisters (Sister Hammond & Pinto) had a baptism.
Susan got baptized! I was on exchanges with Sister Hammond a couple
transfers ago when we found her :) Sister Wagner was able to come up
from Rancho to attend the baptism, so it was nice seeing her. We invited Jane to the baptism too, and she absolutely LOVED IT!! She asked "can you just dunk me in the pool now?" hahahaha During the intermission, the Restoration dvd was shown, which was perrrrfect!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Then as if
Jane hadn't seen enough of us, we had another lesson with her that
evening & brought a couple new friends for her. (she really wants
friends too, which is great because we need her to have friends. BUILT
IN FRIENDS YAY!) We asked her what she thought of the baptism & she
loved it, of course, and then we asked about the Restoration video & she
said "I believe it. Joseph saw what he said he saw." "How do you know
that?" "I feel it!" That
night she texted us asking why we don't drink coffee & we explained
to her that through revelation we know it's not good for us. She texted
back saying "ohh that makes sense! I'm gonna give up coffee for the
month & see how it goes." She
came to church yesterday & loved it! She's the most amazing person
ever. Ahhhh, I can't explain how amazing she is & how much I love
her!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This gospel is so true. It changes lives. The Holy Ghost testifies of all truth. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">love you all,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xoxo Sister Viraldo</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-46357284701950286422016-03-17T14:21:00.001-07:002016-03-17T14:21:22.639-07:00March 14 email<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This was a week that will be in the record books!</span><div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I guess I'll go day by day...</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Monday:
was NOT pday for us, but we did get to email...sorta. Yeah, weird day. I was
on exchanges with Sister Hammond in her area. It was a grand day! We did
lots of tracting, which is always an experience, haha. We found a couple
new investigators as well :) Sisters Bergstrom & Pinto had a lesson
with E & set a baptismal date for April 23rd! She's super
solid!!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Tuesday:
Sister Bergstrom & I gave a training in zone meeting. That night we
got to go to the stake center with the YSAs & watch the live stream
of Face 2 Face with Elder Holland, Sister Stephens & Elder
Hallstrom. It was really awesome! & then we exchanged with the
Ranchos sisters.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Wednesday:
Sister Roberts & I did work in our area! We found 2 new
investigators! One is the husband of a family we're teaching, T. He
is R's husband & H's dad. Also, we stopped by a former
that Sister Wood & I taught once & were never able to get in
contact with after. She was miraculously home! & let us in to teach
her. She hadn't read any of the Book of Mormon in the whole 3 months
since we saw her last because she had some reservations about why we
needed it, so we cleared up some of those. The lesson went really well!
She's interested in learning more & is super open & sincere. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Thursday:
TEMPLE DAY! We drove down with Sister Schulthess & her daughter Hanna to
Redlands. I love the temple. The spirit I feel in the temple is so
peaceful & I feel Heavenly Father's love for me so strong. By the
time we got back up the hill we had a little time to shop, then had
dinner with Hanna & then went to institute. Solid day.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0PadAEp05bZ7GrzvXVpgV-D6gnF1rjFNyek08ns_Zk_vdZm5mkkM9i004nfwej7gY_8NorjB_Z4q9kj3vN52PydrhpKn0ZCmnq9nCXDx8wS5XhDW15AK2Fyf6oT32BcJMbWcZSU3Y4g/s1600/438+Redlands+Temple+3-10-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit0PadAEp05bZ7GrzvXVpgV-D6gnF1rjFNyek08ns_Zk_vdZm5mkkM9i004nfwej7gY_8NorjB_Z4q9kj3vN52PydrhpKn0ZCmnq9nCXDx8wS5XhDW15AK2Fyf6oT32BcJMbWcZSU3Y4g/s400/438+Redlands+Temple+3-10-16.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Redlands Temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Friday: Weekly planned allll day & tried a few people, but no lessons :(</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday:
Woke up at 6am. Left the house at 7am to Rancho Cucamonga for our
mission conference with none other than Elder David A. Bednar himself!
Yes, we were blessed to be in the presence of an Apostle of the Lord. It
was such a magnificent experience...one I'll never forget. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">As he walked
in, all 170 of us missionaries stood up & you could just feel the
amazing spirit he brought in the room. He didn't stand up there
preaching to us for 3 hours either. (although, I wouldn't have been
upset if that's what it would've been) He made it so engaging. He would
ask us questions like what we've learned & we could raise our hands
to answer them. After a while of that, he told us to ask some questions. I
couldn't really tell you what he said. Well, the first thing he told us
was to not write down anything that he said. He said "most of us do
that. we try to write down everything the person says & miss what
the spirit is teaching us. STOP IT. who really goes back & uses
their notes? you don't do it as much as you think you do. I want you to
write on small plates today." </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I learned so much! Just about how I can
better myself, how to use the Atonement more, & how to help my
investigators progress. One WAY COOL thing he said was that he told us a
prophecy. He told us not to write home & try to explain it because
we wouldn't be able to explain it properly & then we'd see it on the
front of the newspaper. Hahaha. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I
know that Elder Bednar is an Apostle of Jesus Christ. You can feel it
when he talks. We had the privilege of shaking his hand. As well as
Sister Bednar & Elder & Sister Higham of the Seventy. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday:
Stake Conference! It was pretty good. Weird only being in church for 2
hours since we're used to 7+ hours. It didn't really feel like a Sunday.
Also the new Easter initiative "Hallelujah" came out. Go watch it!
Easter is a special time to reflect on the Savior & His
resurrection. He lives today! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">So
this was a weird week of meeting with investigators...it's kinda been a
struggle. Some are legitimate excuses like M's shoulder has been
really hurting him... We'll
see what happens this week. We're planning on being really bold with
our investigators & re-setting expectations with them, pretty much
like, "Why do you want this? If you really do, then this is what we
expect of you. If you're not keeping the commitments we leave, then
you're not prepared, & we're here to find the prepared." Okay, not
that harsh, but you get the idea. I used to have a hard time with that,
but as my mission has gone on, I've really come to understand my purpose
& that I'm here to find & teach those that the Lord has
prepared. If people aren't willing to do the simple things we ask them,
then they're not quite ready & that's okay.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This week we have 3 exchanges; it's going to be nuts! But so awesome.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I
love this work so much. It's also such a blessing to be able to do it
with my best friend, Sister Bergstrom. The Lord is SO good. We just need
to be aware of everything He does for us. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbuFo2XbtYWpsHmAvGchQ-rHk_oU8rxpNR63KxzG0xv1iTXEng7luYO2CGu61Z_EavOaOmFs22FK_MOtiEIultvIhCFZifkTW9-msptmXUDXhG6tX726Id5hsXVNA_952KsryChTx_XY/s1600/444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbuFo2XbtYWpsHmAvGchQ-rHk_oU8rxpNR63KxzG0xv1iTXEng7luYO2CGu61Z_EavOaOmFs22FK_MOtiEIultvIhCFZifkTW9-msptmXUDXhG6tX726Id5hsXVNA_952KsryChTx_XY/s400/444.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Hanna, and Sis Bergstrom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Hope you all have a wonderful week!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xoxo Sister Viraldo</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-63806694199983729202016-03-10T12:09:00.001-08:002016-03-10T12:10:46.781-08:00March 7 email<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Crazy short update this week:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So this Thursday we're going to the
temple, which makes that our p-day. I'm super excited! So normally we
would be emailing then, but since we email at the family history
center and they use it for important stuff on Thursdays, we got
permission to email for 1hr today (Monday). But alas, we get to the family
history center & the internet is down. By the grace of Chrome,
they allow you to play a dinosaur jumping over cactus game when the
webpage won't load. It was a scene being in here with 10 missionaries
trying to beat my high score of 1453...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I got to go to Phelan (the Oakhills
ward, so not quite the same) on exchanges with the Hermanas. Sister
Martinez & I were accidentally matching!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_Gcoi3dTk-0eb_JpcusgjGSYpzUW-XNIJSjjGIbsaOIYu9Kw75ipdTHWwGlJ02SJn_Qg8vfpuFPo8s1cl6MsDLa1cyFfVQ1qZrDxpnUzOtcK16WyzwcxUrqvVVh6ZLu9X4ByU6jSCUY/s1600/437+Sis+Martinez+and+I+accidentally+matched.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_Gcoi3dTk-0eb_JpcusgjGSYpzUW-XNIJSjjGIbsaOIYu9Kw75ipdTHWwGlJ02SJn_Qg8vfpuFPo8s1cl6MsDLa1cyFfVQ1qZrDxpnUzOtcK16WyzwcxUrqvVVh6ZLu9X4ByU6jSCUY/s640/437+Sis+Martinez+and+I+accidentally+matched.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anyway, this week was awesome! Lots of
good things happened, lots of spirit was felt.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Love you tons! Tell everyone I love
them and I promise I'll write more next week.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
xoxo Sister Viraldo</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-52798049398050468932016-03-03T18:49:00.002-08:002016-03-03T18:49:26.995-08:00#expectmiracles (Feb 29 email)<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Another week came &
went & I'm not sure how to feel about it. Time is a weird thing. I
know I say this all the time, but it's true.</span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> Anywho, this week was splendid! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklDthXWrpjLK4PBzJ-_sk3Iuz9vZECspuR-6gjjqVIIxGgfZWHH5BhZU2BK1IYfrTRMEdYu6b57FS4-EKYz9kSzzX66AC6Hj4V1jt9RxccZ_Ot8sybtmG9Rsb-Gm-GdvKF_ot1wvQsU4/s1600/IMG_1379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhklDthXWrpjLK4PBzJ-_sk3Iuz9vZECspuR-6gjjqVIIxGgfZWHH5BhZU2BK1IYfrTRMEdYu6b57FS4-EKYz9kSzzX66AC6Hj4V1jt9RxccZ_Ot8sybtmG9Rsb-Gm-GdvKF_ot1wvQsU4/s400/IMG_1379.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Lately
our zone has been focusing on "#expectmiracles" & it rocks. So
every night we text in our miracle of the day to our district leader
& he texts at least 1 to the zone leaders who pick the top 1 or 2
& text it to the whole zone. It's been super awesome hearing about
all the miracles happening in our zone! I've come to realize that as we
expect miracles to happen, they do. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This week we saw plenty of miracles:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">#1
- Finally got in to meet with J, who has taken lessons with
missionaries before, but wasn't ready. She's SO ready now & wants to
be baptized! We set her date for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1727556964" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">March 26</span></span>,
but she was sick & wasn't able to come to church this week, so
we'll have to push it back. We texted her to remind her to read &
pray the next day & she said that she's been doing it every day! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">#2
- Had an awesome lesson with M. We taught him the Restoration
& we asked him how it makes him feel & he said "relieved".</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">#3 - SO many people came up to our table at VVC! We got a bunch of potentials for the elders & a couple for us as well.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">#4
- We were trying potentials & went to go see K&S.
K & her dad, A, were outside & we stood there making
awkward small talk for a few minutes until A said, "have you girls
had lunch yet?" we hadn't. "here's $20. K, put some shoes on, go
get Subway, & make complete sentences with each other." hahaha. So
we went to Subway with K & while sitting in the booth eating
our subs we taught her the Plan of Salvation & she wants to learn
more! New investigator at Subway, for the win. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">#5 - Awesome lesson with A&D. Taught the Restoration, which is always good :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">#6
- We got to E's house a little bit early for our lesson & she
texted us saying she wasn't going to be able to meet. Then a minute
later she & her dad pulled up. We were able to talk with her for a
bit before she left. Last time we taught her about the Restoration &
invited her to pray about Joseph Smith being a prophet. We asked her if
she was able to do that & she said "yes." We asked her if she feels
like God has answered her prayers & how she feels about it. She
said "Yeah, I think so. I feel good!" Ahhh she's so awesome! We're
excited to set a baptismal date with her this week. Praying her parents
give her permission!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">#7 - FINISHED WEEKLY PLANNING IN ONE DAY! that is a miracle in & of itself.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">#8
- Another great lesson with M in the Calder's home! Brother &
sister Calder live directly across the street from him. So M has
some good fellowshippers right there for him!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">#9
- M CAME TO CHURCH!! Since being in this area I haven't had a
single investigator at church, but M broke that streak! Everyone
was so welcoming to him. The Sacrament meeting talks were on prayer, the
Gospel of Jesus Christ (faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy
Ghost, & enduring to the end) & teaching your children the
gospel. There couldn't have been more perfect talks! Gospel Principles
was more about the Holy Ghost & he gave the closing prayer! In it he
thanked Heavenly Father for this new family & "we're all brothers
& sisters". It was AWESOME! Also, Bro. Mazzola may be getting him a
job at his company. The elders were so kind to take him to Priesthood
& they told us he stood up & introduced himself. He said "this
is the best experience I've had at church, I'm definitely coming back." </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">So yeah, there's just a few of the miracles we witnessed this week.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Tomorrow
in district meeting I was asked to train on expecting miracles. I'm not
sure how it will go down. BUT I do have a testimony of expecting
miracles not only in missionary work, but in every day life! Any
righteous desire you have, go to your Heavenly Father in sincere prayer
& ask for what you need. He WILL answer you. He loves us so darn
much & wants us to be happy. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Hope you all have a wonderful week & always expect miracles.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xoxo Sister Viraldo</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-88033477676693908232016-02-25T15:40:00.001-08:002016-02-25T15:40:50.604-08:00Feb 22 Email
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This
is the start of a 7 WEEK TRANSFER! I'm still here in Apple Valley
with my bestie, Sister Bergstrom. Sister Wagner got the call that she
is whitewash training down the hill in Rancho. I'm SOOOO happy &
excited for her. She'll be the best ever! </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Monday:
super fun zone activity for pday!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">At 8:00
we had a lesson with A, who is the daughter in law of a recent convert in
MN ward. We met with her outside Quantico, for who knows what reason. We
did How To Begin Teaching with her, which is pretty much what you
first do with people--helping them see how the gospel can bless their
life & promise blessings. A is so needing the gospel! She
is so prepared. We were able to set a baptismal date with her for
April 16th! :)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Tuesday:
Sister Bergstrom gave a training on juggling cuties & it was
awesome. I'm getting pretty good at juggling. I'm learning some
really handy things on my mission: juggling, flicking cards, finger
snapping, etc... ;)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5ANHzPJoMVR9jFVJKniLwRuCocQLbRHxMQha-ygCcDON1F40264Mr2p3kJi5LhGx8XDXX5dmZYJ9gxnCMrnJ5BWKwN8HjkZF7J5XshVugOFytLrpWNiw7Cjh4MmrzXc3kPP-_YRkpBc/s1600/424+Best+district+ever.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5ANHzPJoMVR9jFVJKniLwRuCocQLbRHxMQha-ygCcDON1F40264Mr2p3kJi5LhGx8XDXX5dmZYJ9gxnCMrnJ5BWKwN8HjkZF7J5XshVugOFytLrpWNiw7Cjh4MmrzXc3kPP-_YRkpBc/s400/424+Best+district+ever.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The best district ever! This transfer we found a total of 60 new
investigators! This district is on FIRE!<img align="BOTTOM" alt="?" border="0" height="48" name="graphics1" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f525" width="48" /> It's
the best thing to be in a district & zone that works hard, has
fun, & sees miracles! AVZ #expectmiracles</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Tuesday
evening we had a lesson with our investigator A...or
Michael...or the Arch Angel...hmm not sure what to call him, but
anyway HE'S AWESOME! He is so prepared for the gospel. He's a little
rough around the edges, but sometimes people like that are the most
prepared! We set a baptismal date with him for April 9th. :) Oh, he
likes to be called Michael btw...</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Wednesday:
We went on exchanges. I got to be with Sister Huntington for the day!
We actually were in the MTC together & came out to the field the
same day. I've never been able to serve around her, so it was nice to
be with her for the day. We even had the chance to be with Sister
Hobbs for a little while. We took her to a lesson with our
investigators J&E. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Thursday:
Was a day of the dentist. Sister Bergstrom is prepping to have a
tooth implant surgery next month, so yeah. Super fun times at the
dentist! </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Friday:
We did some of our weekly planning at Pep Boys, getting our oil changed & tires
turned. Lots 'o fun. And then we had to pick up Sis. Bergstrom's
prescription at CVS. It was actually kind of hard to feel like a real
missionary on Friday. Both Sister Bergstrom & I agreed that not
feeling like a missionary is the worst thing in the world. Temporary
joy was felt, but true joy comes from service.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Saturday:
For exercise we hiked the hill behind our house & looked over the
beautiful desert! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLZQKUeH_mv_FZJgNty6gCJhsdj87wD5ah5UG5ZJhRw0tcke4obeHQdU_8CRAYEJLQhGu71A6kHdFj4sgDJH5Gx8jMc4RLlbzfRvS4s66OAoyemmCgHNaa8T8hn7ZVcsuNAn_0RokhwQ/s1600/423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLZQKUeH_mv_FZJgNty6gCJhsdj87wD5ah5UG5ZJhRw0tcke4obeHQdU_8CRAYEJLQhGu71A6kHdFj4sgDJH5Gx8jMc4RLlbzfRvS4s66OAoyemmCgHNaa8T8hn7ZVcsuNAn_0RokhwQ/s640/423.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We finished weekly planning & had a lesson with
our investigator, J, who doesn't know it yet, but will be baptized
one day. It's funny when you teach people & they don't see it,
but their views & beliefs line up perfect with what we teach &
believe. His wife, D, doesn't really want anything to do with us,
though. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday:
We were SO hoping Michael would be coming to church. He really wanted
to, but for some reason was held up somewhere...ahhh. It's okay, next
week for sure! </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">To answer your question...yes we go to both wards
every Sunday! It's superrrr long & draining, but also pretty
awesome. It was hard only going to one every other week because you
didn't get to know the members that well. We have ward council in MN
at 7:30, church at 9 & we stay most Sundays until 11 and then head to
YSA for ward council at 11:30, church at 1 & we're done by 4. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br />So this week was a really good week mixed in with some things that
you don't want to have to do as a missionary, but that needed to be
done. All I can say is that I LOVE doing this work. It's so hard, but
nothing I've ever done has brought greater peace & satisfaction.
I love my Heavenly Father. I know His plan is real & good. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">My
thoughts & prayers are with you.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Hope
you all have a wonderful week & never forget your Heavenly Father
LOVES YOU SO MUCH. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xoxo
Sister Viraldo</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1Nzph_QmTyEg3oFjFrlUPAMAVNn0MxnsP05edCav1xxbJsCNuBxzRjCAdX4o6wLjAd4PlI-FYEzIi8Ve4Z2atmIH_bdVEmKKbWsTyoO4sn9_fNT8PNSjNSpwzQumqfbwIQnfO4BqnUU/s1600/431+2-22-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1Nzph_QmTyEg3oFjFrlUPAMAVNn0MxnsP05edCav1xxbJsCNuBxzRjCAdX4o6wLjAd4PlI-FYEzIi8Ve4Z2atmIH_bdVEmKKbWsTyoO4sn9_fNT8PNSjNSpwzQumqfbwIQnfO4BqnUU/s640/431+2-22-16.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-13468914982494146122016-02-18T12:40:00.002-08:002016-02-18T12:40:46.932-08:00Heavenly Father is SOOO GOOD (Feb 15 email)<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Ahhh where to start this email?! There's so much to write about I'm not sure how it will all happen!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">So
this week was one of the craziest & best weeks ever! We had 3
exchanges this week so it felt like I didn't even see Sister Bergstrom
at all.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDA3ChnYZ-GohVtXdPFWfQG2T3xc7MX5Zrp8QDTfNJ92h4x7iKXyFadR8pfHZGuF8NHJDwjaf8W5Ibbx84CAQNdpBF_mgKtSIQxUcEjffqT6SinIHFZZZqxu-4FhhJmAt5CmPOfRghII/s1600/409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDA3ChnYZ-GohVtXdPFWfQG2T3xc7MX5Zrp8QDTfNJ92h4x7iKXyFadR8pfHZGuF8NHJDwjaf8W5Ibbx84CAQNdpBF_mgKtSIQxUcEjffqT6SinIHFZZZqxu-4FhhJmAt5CmPOfRghII/s320/409.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being goofy, waiting for the Hermanas to come for exchanges</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> Monday
night we had a lesson set up with our investigator, P. We
knocked on the door & a lady came to the door, (for the record, I've
never met P) & we started talking to her like she was
P & when we asked if we could come in she said "I think
you're looking for my sister" hahaha yeah, that wasn't P, it was
R. But we started talking about the gospel & asked if she'd
be interested in learning more & she said yes! It was really a
tender mercy that we didn't recognize it wasn't P at first,
because then we were able to share the gospel with her. Sometimes
awkward things pay off. So we picked up R & her 11yo
daughter H as new investigators!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Tuesday
we had a great zone meeting! Sister Bergstrom & I gave a training
on visualizing what you learn. We had all of the missionaries draw their
favorite scripture story! It was fun. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Wednesday
we went on exchanges with the La Mesa Hermanas. I stayed in my area
with Hmna Landen & we saw so many miracles!!! The day started out
pretty slow & I was worried it was going to be like that all day,
but then I started praying & having faith that good things will
happen as long as I'm aligning my will with Heavenly Father's. We met
J, who was a YSA potential who's interested in learning more! After
that we had a lesson with our 15yo investigator, E. We taught her
the restoration & it went soooo well. The spirit was felt so strong
& she recognized it! Then we went to try more potentials & met
C, who wants to learn more & J, who wants to know what he can do
to stand on the Lord's side at His second coming... "who's on the
Lord's side who?" ;) So in total we found 3 new investigators on Wednesday!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1699113633" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span> we went on exchanges with the Santa Fe sisters. So yes, back to back exchanges is CRAZY! I missed my comp :( While
I was in Hesperia, Sisters Bergstrom & Alder had a BOMB day
contacting at VVC. & they taught S, who is now an investigator
in YSA. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1699113634" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span>
we luckily did not have exchanges! We had a good day of weekly
planning, going to appointments that were cancelled & more
planning. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1699113635" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span>
we went on another exchange with the Mesa Linda sisters. While in their
area, Sisters Bergstrom & Thomason found 2 new investigators,
A & P (bro & sis) :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1699113636" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span> we had a regional stake conference broadcast! It was super good!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We
had Valentine's dinner with the Schulthess', aka the last dinner with
Wolfgang home, or should I say, Elder Schulthess. He goes into the MTC
this Wednesday. It was pretty fun answering a ton of questions about the
MTC & the field. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Sister
Bergstrom & I have just been in awe lately with the bounteous
blessings the Lord has been giving us! We've been blessed with so many
people to teach. The work in our areas is booming! As of now, we have 15
investigators in MN & 3 in YSA. Now the challenge is to get them
all progressing! I'm so excited to see what else the Lord has in store
for us & the people he's entrusted to our care. This is the best
thing ever! Being a missionary is the greatest thing I could be doing. I
LOVE IT.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">love you all.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Sister Viraldo</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xxxooo</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi546jMefHLjAn0IYcRHq1OhMRslES0mimwc9uAYdj72MhD7qF0VC2-IoxW4zPHnvq6Pv2S_ImCVGGWqz1QB-4LIXo0QGkN1i6uzpS0tkykyQePbLmrj9ujdNg1ATV17mvJwSFkUTjPfKQ/s1600/416+Beautiful+sunset+from+our+apartment.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi546jMefHLjAn0IYcRHq1OhMRslES0mimwc9uAYdj72MhD7qF0VC2-IoxW4zPHnvq6Pv2S_ImCVGGWqz1QB-4LIXo0QGkN1i6uzpS0tkykyQePbLmrj9ujdNg1ATV17mvJwSFkUTjPfKQ/s640/416+Beautiful+sunset+from+our+apartment.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful sunset out our apartment window</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-56070037644953551952016-02-11T10:04:00.001-08:002016-02-11T10:04:36.987-08:00It's just one of those days... (Feb 8 email)Monday: FHE. Kelsi taught & it was so great! She's come so
far in her testimony just within the past couple weeks. It's really
amazing to see.<br />
<br />
<div>
Tuesday: We had district meeting & it was
awesome because Sister Hammond gave a training about flicking cards,
which is a new talent that I've acquired over the past couple weeks.
After DM we had lunch then went out with Morgan Lacey, who just got home
from serving in Portugal. Then we went to pick up Kelsi to go
to a lesson with another recent convert, Cassidy. We had a good drive & talk
with Kelsi. She's recently been thinking about serving a mission! She's
doing so amazing! With Cassidy we talked about personal conversion &
read Alma the younger's conversion story he told to he sons in Alma 36.
If you aren't familiar with that story, I'd highly suggest you read it!
It's life changing!!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We had dinner with Jessica & Robert
S. She is a member who hasn't been to church since she was 13
& he is not a member. After dinner we headed up to Wrightwood to go
on exchanges. I got to sleep in my old bed in my old apartment! </div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0aK1_WwmeGqKFVdebAU7OfPnHpkDC0oFl9gPjuWSBeD08kdv3brAZi0tlNLhnwiMd24GGtIQzqH8Hq9nazfsG4Grhe32kf-LKGsCvPZ_GSsiHcC7x2c8sJ3FsYL2sDGUuQXzOr3FW68/s1600/399+Wrightwood+sisters%252C+Anderson+and+Savage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0aK1_WwmeGqKFVdebAU7OfPnHpkDC0oFl9gPjuWSBeD08kdv3brAZi0tlNLhnwiMd24GGtIQzqH8Hq9nazfsG4Grhe32kf-LKGsCvPZ_GSsiHcC7x2c8sJ3FsYL2sDGUuQXzOr3FW68/s320/399+Wrightwood+sisters%252C+Anderson+and+Savage.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
Wednesday:
What a great day in my favorite fairytale land, Wrightwood, with Sister
Anderson. The dynamic duo back in action. It was so funny to go visit
people & it didn't even phase them that I was there. It was so great
to be back in my old stomping grounds with my second born daughter. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(Sisters Anderson and Savage in Wrightwood)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_610310742" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span>:
In the morning we went to the dentist so Sister Bergstrom could get a
cavity filled...yes we were at the dentist & this time it's not for
me!! WOOOO. Next we headed down the hill for MLC! MLC is the greatest
thing about being an STL. After MLC we had dinner with Treya (in the YSA
ward) & her family, then to a lesson with Beca, & then to
institute, which rocked.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_610310743" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span>:
We had a lesson with our YSA investigator, Tayler. We committed her to
baptism & she said she will once she knows it's true, but won't
commit to a date yet. She wants to make sure she's doing it for the
right reasons & not just for Randy or anyone else.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_610310744" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span>: Went on exchanges with Sister Stagg. It was a pretty good day.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_610310745" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span>: Good fast & testimony meetings in Mojave Narrows & YSA. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My spiritual thought for the week is to pray. Prayer is amazing! It's how we communicate with our loving Father in Heaven.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
xoxo Sister Viraldo</div>
<div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-33025531840837450162016-02-03T12:07:00.001-08:002016-02-03T12:07:52.706-08:00The Best Gift Ever (Feb 1 email)<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">IT'S FEBRUARY!!!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Woahhhh,
that's so crazy, huh?! I hear you've been getting some pretty bad
weather back there? The weather here in the high desert has been pretty
bipolar to say the least. The end of last week was beautiful, sunny,
& in the 70 degree range. It was actually kinda hot..hahaha. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2111171199" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span> it was still pretty warm, but getting really windy. It was super windy all <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2111171200" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span> & started raining & SNOWING! It didn't stick though. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">So
this week was SUPER GREAT! Every week is great because I'm a
missionary, but this week was especially good because we taught lots
& had lots of doses of the spirit!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2111171201" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Wednesday</span></span>
we had our first exchange of the transfer! & it was with none other
than the Desert Knolls sisters--Sister Wagner & Sister Hammond! I
got to go with my firstborn in the wilderness, Sister Wagner! It was
sooo fun being back with her for the day. She's grown SO much since our
days in Phelan. We had such a great day. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujKZNn1lNfUwjgGfrWtEzrMNiPAd3PS9zoPAb2t5_u-LEInjvERF2L3yIAVd0PiYeFED02ZpEtU5gAFuMsGoTKgeo_wFhUTWLFHEcJnFuLnEDF9-6R8WXcLJNtl5eb12DO0p4Fptg3F8/s1600/385+Exchanges+with+my+firstborn+in+the+wilderness.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujKZNn1lNfUwjgGfrWtEzrMNiPAd3PS9zoPAb2t5_u-LEInjvERF2L3yIAVd0PiYeFED02ZpEtU5gAFuMsGoTKgeo_wFhUTWLFHEcJnFuLnEDF9-6R8WXcLJNtl5eb12DO0p4Fptg3F8/s400/385+Exchanges+with+my+firstborn+in+the+wilderness.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">One of the COOLEST experiences
was visiting a lady named W. Sister Hammond & I met W
tracting last transfer on exchanges. She let us in & we talked with
her for a bit. She is very religious & active in her church, I felt
prompted to give her a Book of Mormon, but I couldn't find the right
timing or words to say, so I didn't....mistake on my part. BUT luckily
Heavenly Father is SO loving He gave me another chance. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Sister Wagner
& I went back to see her & to get in the house I asked if I
could use her bathroom haha. She let us in & we were able to talk
with her a bit. My stomach was not feeling great all day, so I asked if
she had an apple cider vinegar I could drink (supposedly it helps with
all sorts of things). She gave me a spoonful & then some water &
we were soon on our way. As we were walking out, the Spirit was
prompting me to give her a Book of Mormon. I still didn't know what to
say, but if I didn't do it this time, chances are I wouldn't have a 3rd
chance. As we were walking to the door, W was telling us how much our
parents must miss us & how it's amazing we're out here do the
Lord's work...I pulled a Book of Mormon out of my bag & said "You've
been so kind to me. I want to give you something." handed her the Book
of Mormon "This is my gift to you. You can choose to accept it or not.
This book is why I'm out here. You love Jesus Christ & I know your
faith in Him will strengthen as you read this." I'm not sure where
those words came from...actually I am. The Spirit gave me the words to
speak as I acted on promptings & opened my mouth. W said, "Thank
you! I'll open it & read it." I don't know what she has done with
the book since then, but my hopes & prayers are that she will read
the words on the pages & see that it truly speaks of Christ &
His teachings & the spirit will testify to her that the words are
true. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2111171202" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span>
was a fun day because we got BIKES! Hahaha Sister Bergstrom & I <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWF1pCyqeKNgIFh71RuCPfbRIGlGplksxT0A4XNBRV_T9F1Rjo7jY6dhX7lNIWwB1NgzrTNVQTml1NnZrYckJ2pqqzifO0YR-h6mVk-fZQl1KGpiuif_I0iZjrEn4eQ13VmRxOmgOcQbk/s1600/387+We+got+BIKES.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWF1pCyqeKNgIFh71RuCPfbRIGlGplksxT0A4XNBRV_T9F1Rjo7jY6dhX7lNIWwB1NgzrTNVQTml1NnZrYckJ2pqqzifO0YR-h6mVk-fZQl1KGpiuif_I0iZjrEn4eQ13VmRxOmgOcQbk/s320/387+We+got+BIKES.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
both wanted bikes & we were able to find sisters who had some that
we could borrow...only for like a week though. The ZLs brought us the
bikes & we took them out for a while before dinner. The hardest part
of biking was riding up what could possibly be the largest/longest hill
in the mission. Apple Valley road. Ahh my legs were DYING afterwards. All
I wanted to do was collapse & never get up. Luckily though, the next
day my legs weren't really sore. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2111171203" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span> we had zone conference, which was awesome!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2111171204" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span>
I went on exchanges with Sister Dinkel. If you remember, she was my MTC
companion! It was crazy to be back with her, but so good. We saw
miracles! We were looking for someone's house, but got lost driving
& passed by these guys who were cutting tree branches in their yard.
Sister Dinkel suggested we go see if they need help. Luckily, we
had service clothes in the car because they accepted our help! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">One of
the guys name is M & he is awesome! He has had a pretty hard
life because of choices he's made, but in recent years he found God
& changed his life around. All while we were trimming branches &
making wood piles, we were talking him a bit about what we do &
what we believe, but I really didn't know where to go from there. I said
a silent prayer, "Heavenly Father please give me something to say or
please let him ask me a question about our beliefs." Not more than a
minute later M asked "So what are your beliefs?" "Well, M, we have
lots of beliefs. What in particular?" "Heaven." PRAYER ANSWERED! We
taught him the Plan of Salvation & he loved & agreed with
everything we said! We taught him a whole bunch of other stuff & he
just kept thanking Jesus for sending us. We asked him if he would read
the Book of Mormon & he said he was good with just the Bible &
then I tried the tactic again. "M, I cannot deny you the blessing of
reading the Book of Mormon. We will leave you with one. Our gift to you
& you can choose to read it or not." & he responded, "I can't
deny you not giving it to me. I will accept it & read it" </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2111171205" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span>
was great! Wolfgang Schulthess (Hanna's brother) gave his farewell
talk. Sister Schulthess invited us to sing Joseph Smith's First Prayer a
few weeks ago when it was me & sister Wood, & luckily Sister
Bergstrom can sing too! I guess the song was really good because
multiple people came up to us & told us how strongly they felt the
spirit. In the YSA ward we got a new bishopric, which was pretty
unexpected. But we're super excited for the new Bishop Cassidy! He's not
too new, he's been bishop & stake president before. He's pretty
old, but awesome. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">So my spiritual thought for the week goes along with the Book of Mormon stories I told. It
really hit me this week as I gave out a couple Book of Mormons as a
gift that it TRULY is a gift. It's the best gift we could ever have. It
contains the words of eternal life, of eternal HAPPINESS! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">2 Nephi 25:27 "And it came to pass that we did live after the manner of happiness"</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Let's all be happy.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Have a great week!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Sister Viraldo</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xxxooo </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-58730550690917677172016-01-27T12:50:00.001-08:002016-01-27T12:50:38.304-08:00Email from Jan 25<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This week we had the awesome
opportunity to be a part of a worldwide missionary broadcast from Salt
Lake. It was way cool to hear from the leaders of the Church on the
fundamentals of missionary work. I think I learned how to be a better
missionary because of it.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This
week in our "missionaries on fire Book of Mormon reading" we were on
the Isaiah chapters of 2Nephi, so I don't have much insight on that,
except the end is near....</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">So,
my spiritual thought for the week is about sacrificing for the Lord.
This week we had a lesson with a K&A who are in the YSA (young single adult)
ward. When we got there they were so excited to tell us about the new
schedule they started. "We started a missionary schedule!" Almost,
anyway. They got up early in the morning, worked out, came home to make
breakfast while listening to scriptures, then talked about it. The
reason for doing these things, they said was because they feel like
Christ isn't in their lives as much as they'd like Him to be. They
realized they needed to change some things they were doing &
substitute them for things that would bring the spirit in their lives
more abundantly. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In my whole 21 years of life I haven't been as close to
Jesus Christ as I have been these past almost 15 months. My
relationship with Him has grown so much. I've come to know who He is
& that I can rely on Him. I know it's because of the sacrifices that
I've made, or substituting things in my life for better things.
Although we all can't always be full-time missionaries, consecrating our time
& attention for 18-24 months, we all have things in life that we can
sacrifice for the Lord. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I would encourage you to not necessarily adapt
the missionary lifestyle, but find time out of your day where you can
substitute what you're doing that moment for time to read your
scriptures, pray, or give service in some way. It's amazing to me that
as we sacrifice for the Lord, we aren't really sacrificing at all. He
blesses us so much more than anything we could "give up". </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">love you! have a wonderful week</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xoxo Sister Viraldo</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNiBepofJ7D5ViI1D91inolrrsmDB6L8rfIGfQ7l1xX6-1QeMmDWchwFKK2_lhuDWIBabl4x5vpsKWjKjJLUrTKH5MWX9chFWz74PjreF6i_ai6dmqUwqPqWe4IMngJDYI7GK1ZRdKWg/s1600/IMG_0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNiBepofJ7D5ViI1D91inolrrsmDB6L8rfIGfQ7l1xX6-1QeMmDWchwFKK2_lhuDWIBabl4x5vpsKWjKjJLUrTKH5MWX9chFWz74PjreF6i_ai6dmqUwqPqWe4IMngJDYI7GK1ZRdKWg/s320/IMG_0492.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">p.s. this morning we woke up at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_610292351" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6am</span></span> to walk up to an abandoned house in Apple Valley where we enjoyed the beauty of the sunrise & of the high desert.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GBY-O5ZLmdffIuBHKr_o5WeCgh8Bv-sFSVvkwr5Ptv39ve81vMDhyCQREBaMrlWHSsqa8L5vOiJ5fEEtKcZxoY9XDBETzlJOPrxKNlV0U6wgv3Hz6e-Zam4bRGS6adkbR3sqctHsmZk/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GBY-O5ZLmdffIuBHKr_o5WeCgh8Bv-sFSVvkwr5Ptv39ve81vMDhyCQREBaMrlWHSsqa8L5vOiJ5fEEtKcZxoY9XDBETzlJOPrxKNlV0U6wgv3Hz6e-Zam4bRGS6adkbR3sqctHsmZk/s400/IMG_0494.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My companion, Sis Bergstrom <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvytAXWcLlIdBYa9btKYlAr7bCYxFop_5QZHx5ZvEwAxFWtFWoNiwKkkCYXjTxuX4PWiWBu2-zPuW99N7xxRU0MgIjnJAexpp2-ocFH1wWaxHziOUIgF7oor9ZGr-BOI3U7y9S1X_5BXU/s1600/IMG_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvytAXWcLlIdBYa9btKYlAr7bCYxFop_5QZHx5ZvEwAxFWtFWoNiwKkkCYXjTxuX4PWiWBu2-zPuW99N7xxRU0MgIjnJAexpp2-ocFH1wWaxHziOUIgF7oor9ZGr-BOI3U7y9S1X_5BXU/s640/IMG_0523.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Sis Bergstrom, Me, Sis Wagner, and Sis Hammond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-7349525976429385542016-01-20T07:31:00.000-08:002016-01-20T07:31:33.901-08:00Jan 18 email<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Transfer 11: 1 week
down, 5 to go! & I couldn't be happier to be spending it with my bff,
Sister Bergstrom. Okay, I know I said last week how awesome I thought
this transfer was going to be, but I had no clue. This was quite
literally a match made in heaven -- thank you President!</span><div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">So many wonderful things happened this week!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_801560906" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span>
was awesome because we got an extra leadership training for ZLs &
STLs in the desert--aka just Sis Bergstrom & I. It's always great to
hear from President & Sister Hobbs. And
we got into see K & S, who are twins & potential
investigators. They're pretty interested in coming to church! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_801560907" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span> was great! lots of planning & such.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_801560908" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span>
was the BEST! We went on splits with Hanna & Kelsey. We saw so many
miracles! I went with Hanna & we got turned down a lot & were
about to retreat, but then we were driving down the road & Hanna got the
prompting to stop at a house. We did & miraculously a girl came out
of her garage just as we were walking up. Her name is C & we
had a lesson about the Book of Mormon right there & then. She wants
to strengthen her faith in Christ. & meanwhile Sis Bergstrom &
Kelsey found like 5 potential investigators & set up appointments
with them.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkb9IdXC9tp69eGicwgXT76LaBsBSngQJjMZQUIDejN6ewXAFPZ_qXDhBcomdVcZPHekAl85orcRby-NkTshyphenhyphenEkyKq6WCKiBf7I35HBWH_Fi1es4hNMPyQxcFjqus2RuN_Jj2XH72p88M/s1600/377+Splits+with+Hanna+and+Kelsey.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkb9IdXC9tp69eGicwgXT76LaBsBSngQJjMZQUIDejN6ewXAFPZ_qXDhBcomdVcZPHekAl85orcRby-NkTshyphenhyphenEkyKq6WCKiBf7I35HBWH_Fi1es4hNMPyQxcFjqus2RuN_Jj2XH72p88M/s640/377+Splits+with+Hanna+and+Kelsey.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splits with Hanna and Kelsey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">AHHH, MISSIONARY WORK IS THE BEST. I love everything about it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">In church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_801560909" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Sunday</span></span>
one speaker talked about how the most important thing we can do on
earth is to recognize the promptings of the Spirit. I agree 100%. If
there's ONE thing I can say I've learned on my mission it's how to
recognize the Spirit & how crucial He is in our lives.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I'm truly sorry this email is so lame. For some reason I can't put my thoughts together & time is running low. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xoxo Sister Viraldo</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-38032414060246663292016-01-13T13:49:00.003-08:002016-01-13T13:49:58.234-08:00I LOVE LIFE (Jan 11 email)<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">First things first, transfers are today
& I got a new companion, Sister Bergstrom, whom I adore. Sister
Wood got her dream call, white wash training! She's now serving down the
hill in Alta Loma. This last transfer was so great & I'm sooo
excited to see what good things will come this transfer! LIFE IS SO
GOOD.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxe_Clzp78Ktkhg2uKyGyHLgusXy3fXP2PsnKo_T2ffCNkuFRlJWzeQ8Zq6IXSeTLEw07sNsFDKhpSGDtU2HPpAN74J_13t06vwbzg_BnY3-OSACpTh45XsKhf6JxBbglVeKYig_oUgE/s1600/371+New+comp%252C+Sis+Bergstrom%252C++++1-11-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxe_Clzp78Ktkhg2uKyGyHLgusXy3fXP2PsnKo_T2ffCNkuFRlJWzeQ8Zq6IXSeTLEw07sNsFDKhpSGDtU2HPpAN74J_13t06vwbzg_BnY3-OSACpTh45XsKhf6JxBbglVeKYig_oUgE/s400/371+New+comp%252C+Sis+Bergstrom%252C++++1-11-16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new companion, Sister Bergstrom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This week was a really good week! We found 3 new investigators!!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">One
is M. M has been taught before by other missionaries & a
few of her children were baptized last year, but she chose not to be
baptized. She even started avoiding the Sisters. The ward wanted us to
go by & see how she was doing (I'm telling you, this ward is
amazingly caring & they're willing to help anyone & everyone).
We went by to drop off some recycling for her & usually when we do
that her kids answer the door & take the bottles from us, but this
time she came down stairs & said "come on in". We were able to share
a short message with her & ask if she'd be open to taking the
lessons again & she agreed! ANSWER TO OUR PRAYER. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Last
week I talked about how we had a teaching appointment set up with a
potential family, M & A. We DID have a lesson with
them & it was soooo good! We pretty much got to know where they're
at with religion & testify of God's love. M is unsure what he
believes about God, but is open to finding out if He is there. A
was crying almost the whole time & she was practically bearing her
testimony to him "M, there's something missing" she would say.
And before we left she mentioned how we brought so much peace into their
home. It was so amazing. They are both wanting to learn more &
hopefully their children will join in on the lessons as well. We have an
appointment with them tonight! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We went on 1 1/2 exchanges this week hahaha. First, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1023676098" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Thursday</span></span>
I stayed in Apple Valley with Sister Thomason. We set up a booth (aka a table
& chairs & a few Book of Mormons & pamphlets) at Victor Valley College
& it ROCKED. We made up a little survey asking questions such as "Do
you have a belief in God?", "Do you feel like God has a plan for you?"
"How do you find peace & joy in life?". As people would answer, we
would ask subsequent questions & testify of God's plan for them. And
then we'd ask if they're interested in learning more. It worked super
well! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Then the other 1/2 of the exchange was <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1023676099" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Saturday</span></span>
with Sister Slater & Boswell. I went to their area & stayed
with Sister Slater. It was a crazy day, because we got transfer calls at
about <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1023676100" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">12:30pm</span></span>.
& they did transfers WAY different this time around. This time the
only call we got was if you're leaving you need to pack your bags &
you'd find out later where you're going. We found out Sister Slater was
leaving & Sister Wood was leaving, so we exchanged back around 1:00.
BUT while I was in Maple with Sis Slater, we saw a MIRACLE! We were
trying a less active they're working with & no one answered. We were
about to leave just as a girl pulled up in the driveway "ahh we love
when this happens. it's so awkward." Sister Slater is just such a boss
missionary, she said "well, can we come in & talk with you?" She
agreed! Wendy is her name & she is a super sweet girl & is super
interested in the gospel! We read the intro to the BoM with her, we
asked her what it mean & she said "if you live the gospel, you'll
know it's true" GOLD. She wants to read the BoM & better yet, she's
interested in the YSA ward! SCORE!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Well, </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">that's about it for this week. 'twas a good one!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">LOVE YOU SO MUCH.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xoxo Sister Viraldo</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-41243751750294567952016-01-07T10:41:00.002-08:002016-01-07T10:41:35.487-08:00January 4 Email<div class="ii gt m1520e4b5bd597cfe adP adO" id=":150">
<div class="a3s" id=":14z" style="overflow: hidden;">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Ahh
my mind is going crazy for so many reasons! I just feel so great today
& I'm not sure why...it may be because I took the sacrament twice
yesterday. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">But it's also
going crazy because a couple old companions who I haven't heard from in a
LONG time emailed me (sis Otuafi & sis Kroff), college application!,
ahhh, & I have to use the bathroom, but cannot because it is being
cleaned....so sorry in advance for this email being all over the place.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This
week was a pretty great week! I'm sorry I haven't been talking much
about our investigators, because we really don't have many, & the
ones we do have haven't met with us in a long time. A couple I've never
even met. So we're really working on finding new ones & meeting with
the ones we have. I'm really excited about the potential family we
have, M & A. We have an appointment set up with them this
Wednesday. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This was a very different week than most. The whole month of December in general is quite different, but oh so good. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">New
Year's Eve was a wonderful day. We had a STL meeting with President
& Sister Hobbs for an hour before we had MLC. I think my favorite
part about being an STL is the chance I have to go to MLC & learn
soooo much! A few changes are being made to the mission: after this
transfer there will be no more departing devotionals. I don't know if I
ever explained what those were, but to make a long story short, it was a
devotional put on for the missionaries going home & they would
invite their favorite people from all their past areas to come to the
mission office. No more of those. Also there will be no more transfer
meetings, aka swaps, aka the best part of transfers. President isn't even
sure how we will transfer, but it will be different! Also, on Jan. 20th the
Missionary executive committee from Salt Lake is putting on a worldwide
missionary devotional. It's gonna be great! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">After
MLC we had about 1 hour before we had to be in at 6. So we went
finding! It was incredible because out of the few houses we knocked on,
all people we met were really friendly & a couple we even
interested! One doesn't live in our area, but one does! We have an
appointment set up with him tomorrow.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">So
we came home at 6 & watched The Testaments with the sisters &
made goals for 2016. It was really strange to have most of my goals be
for when I'm no longer a missionary. ahhhh</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">So
it is the new year! 2016. A year I never imagined would come, but now
it is in our midst. My thought from this week comes from a BYU
devotional talk by Elder Holland called "Remember Lot's Wife". This is a
new year of new opportunities. Let us all not look back & yearn for
the past, but look forward to the future of possibilities. Let us use
the Atonement to forgive & forget things of the past & start
anew. Jesus Christ didn't sacrifice His life for us to be yearning for
things of the past. His gospel is one of hope & joy. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I
love you & am so grateful for all you've done for me. I hope to be a
better daughter, sister, aunt, & friend when I return home. :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xoxo Sister Viraldo</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">p.s. I GOT TO GO ON EXCHANGES IN WRIGHTWOOD THIS WEEK & IT WAS THE BESTEST THING EVER!!!!!!!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Eu9KbLIUwJbL4cuiz1uZGBu0GxrVFyYtnuanq375a7UYP4PsAu5ltRb_OpsbEGsDSQDV3ZdygBsqBOCeMgnsHgpTNUQZ4oWOD-D6eTZ0rrdr6eZbblujJSY51jxPnI_yJIJH97aZhvw/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Eu9KbLIUwJbL4cuiz1uZGBu0GxrVFyYtnuanq375a7UYP4PsAu5ltRb_OpsbEGsDSQDV3ZdygBsqBOCeMgnsHgpTNUQZ4oWOD-D6eTZ0rrdr6eZbblujJSY51jxPnI_yJIJH97aZhvw/s320/IMG_0394.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Happy 7 months, Sister Wagner! Ahhh I
feel so old. It's true, when your children grow up that means you're
getting older. I was her age (7 months) when I trained her. :')</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-8542238492659416922015-12-30T12:50:00.000-08:002015-12-30T12:50:10.264-08:00Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! (Email from 12-28)
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Oh
man, I cannot believe Christmas has come & gone in the blink of
an eye and now it's almost 2016!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I
really don't have much to report on this week since I got to SKYPE MY
FAMILY on Christmas day, which was the best ever! Being on a mission,
away from your family for so long makes it a very strange experience
when you have the chance to talk to them face to face, even over
skype. Although it was strange, it was the best strange I could've
asked for. That was my 3rd time skyping my family on my mission &
I don't know about you, but that was my FAVORITE. Just one more skype
session to go & I'll see you all in person a couple weeks later
:)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoZ6elSBtrWTzxRLmotqM39LXQ5-0dWP2SJuC4XXILHIzhh_DhyphenhyphenF8aJ6ZIt7L5BGXgUMy1tZAAWcJ4WvzLpgUx8OeY9XyyP457SRvvTe8j_bvxYQKbpV7HK0GfJxEpHIKnbR9VXaQH68/s1600/354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoZ6elSBtrWTzxRLmotqM39LXQ5-0dWP2SJuC4XXILHIzhh_DhyphenhyphenF8aJ6ZIt7L5BGXgUMy1tZAAWcJ4WvzLpgUx8OeY9XyyP457SRvvTe8j_bvxYQKbpV7HK0GfJxEpHIKnbR9VXaQH68/s320/354.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqu5IvxmYi2LqhpJMe3Mg29AkS1fWC4l3kyOYEzeU_aRuRgaEijoXdM82tcAIokEKzOETAfR3XNERe60KRY_4az-8hM1lNoPUa5YV9-BZFHvj-ufi2N0NOcazD3WC4olLauSsuDXM7CMY/s1600/355+Sister+Helms+on+exchanges.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqu5IvxmYi2LqhpJMe3Mg29AkS1fWC4l3kyOYEzeU_aRuRgaEijoXdM82tcAIokEKzOETAfR3XNERe60KRY_4az-8hM1lNoPUa5YV9-BZFHvj-ufi2N0NOcazD3WC4olLauSsuDXM7CMY/s320/355+Sister+Helms+on+exchanges.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Helms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9A01KrFfabNpYnyBV5FSuiTlIRJMWUn3WngRbG7swH9cA4oABA07AuoKQ4U_pfZ7eukLMI7BGugYZTWeU87p8elg2JFAFgnkUiSYZlQrlXiuiCXAiH3RGm6s0okKR7KtKZvzWLL3vb8o/s1600/362+Hermana+Whitten+on+exchanges.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9A01KrFfabNpYnyBV5FSuiTlIRJMWUn3WngRbG7swH9cA4oABA07AuoKQ4U_pfZ7eukLMI7BGugYZTWeU87p8elg2JFAFgnkUiSYZlQrlXiuiCXAiH3RGm6s0okKR7KtKZvzWLL3vb8o/s320/362+Hermana+Whitten+on+exchanges.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermana Whitten</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We
went on a couple exchanges this week, which were AWESOME! </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Wednesday
I stayed in my area for the first time with Sister Helms, who was
Sister Anderson's MTC companion. She is SO SWEET. I just love her &
really enjoyed the day with her.</span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> &
on Saturday I was in my area with Hermana Whitten. She's sooo funny.
I'm really liking going on exchanges with the sisters :)</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Christmas
eve was so great! during the day we were able to find an old folk's
home to carol to. They brought some of them (just about 10) in the
dining hall & we sang for about 20 minutes. It was the toughest
crowd I've ever sung to. We found out as we were leaving that it was
not your ordinary old folks' home, but a home for those who have
mental deterioration such as Alzheimer's or Dementia. After
we knew that, we understood why the audience was the way they were.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Later
our recent convert in YSA, (Young Single Adult ward) Desiree, texted us & asked if we could
have a lesson with her. We took Hanna Schulthess & after the
lesson Hanna brought Desiree back to her house & we had Christmas
Eve dinner with the Schulthess' & the Schaeffer's (bishop, his
wife & 2 kids)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">My
little spiritual thought for the week is about repentance & the
sacrament.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I
was reading from an old ensign this week--the April 2007 general
conference edition. I read "I Am Clean" by President
Hinckley. In it he tells a story from Joseph F. Smith & a lesson
that he learned--cleanliness is next to godliness. And he quoted this
scripture that really hit home for me.</span></div>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; padding: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Wash you, make you clean; put
away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;</span></blockquote>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; padding: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Learn to do well; …</span></blockquote>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; padding: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Come now, and let us reason
together, saith the Lord:though your sins be as scarlet, they shall
be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be
as wool” (Isaiah 1:16–18).</span></blockquote>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes
as a missionary you feel as though you need to be perfect. We're held
to very high standards & sometimes it's a daunting task to
measure up. When we fall short we can easily become discouraged &
feel that we could've done better. This is kind of the way I was
feeling at one point this week. But I know that the Lord loves me &
will forgive me & strengthen me when I come to Him. I know it's
the same for you. He doesn't expect us to be perfect now. He does
expect us to do our best, but He knows we will fall, we will fail.
With our fallings & our failings comes feelings of guilt &
sorrow. However, this scripture states it perfectly. The Lord wants
us to come to Him & reason with Him. The best way to do this is
through sincere prayer & partaking of the sacrament. The
Sacrament is the Lord's way in telling us our sins are forgiven. I'm
sooo beyond grateful for the sacrament. It meant more to me this
week, as I've been studying repentance, than in recent weeks. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">A
challenge to all: the next time you feel down & out because of a
mistake you made, a harsh word you said, a thought you might've had,
stop & pray & ask the Lord to forgive you & help you be
better. I promise He will. Then take the sacrament knowing He has
forgiven you & not only that, but He strengthens you to do better
& to be better. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Welll,
I think that's about it for this week. I'll talk to you in a quick
week when it is WEEK 6. Can you believe it? only 2 more weeks of this
transfer! ahhhh.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">talk
to you next week!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Until
then, stay gold.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xoxo
Sister Viraldo</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-91174296988773928842015-12-30T12:37:00.000-08:002015-12-30T12:37:13.040-08:00MERRRY CHRISTMAS!!! (Email from 12-21)<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">It's that time of year again...CHRISTMAS!</span><div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This
whole past week has been full of Christmas cheer. I feel like
missionary time is back to normal--flying by! This week happened in a
blink of an eye, I swear...maybe it's because I've been sick. Yes,
Tuesday evening I started getting a sore throat. Wednesday morning I
woke up with a terrible sore throat I wanted to die. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Well,
Tuesday morning Sister Hobbs called us & asked if we would sing
"While Shepherds watched their flocks by night" at the desert Christmas
devotional the next day. So when I woke up Wednesday sick I was worried I
wouldn't be able to sing. But I just figured I'd save my voice & give it my all when it was our time. It worked out pretty well. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Wednesday
night we were supposed to exchange with the Ranchos sisters. I still
wasn't feeling well so after dinner we went home to rest before
exchanges. I got up at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_268928828" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8pm</span></span>
& wasn't feeling well at all, so we cancelled the exchange &
said we'll see how I'm feeling in the morning & maybe exchange
then. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Woke
up Thursday morning with a slight sore throat, but mostly I was just
congested, but I felt good enough to go on exchanges. So I went to the
Ranchos area with Sister Stallings, who came out 1 transfer after me. It
was a pretty good day besides the fact I was incredibly congested &
whenever I talked I sounded like I was wearing nose plugs or something.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">We
ended up exchanging back a little early so we could have dinner then go
to institute. It was the last institute class of the semester & a
really good one at that. It was interesting because one thing that
President Gibbons (the institute teacher) talked about was exactly what
my email last week consisted of: the importance of feeling the spirit
every day of our lives. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Friday
we weekly planned & took a lunch break to eat with the Silver Lakes
& Mesa Linda sisters in Victorville, just a little sister bonding
time :) Friday night
we went on exchanges with the spanish sisters in La Paz! I got to go to
their area & learn spanish ;) I was with Hermana Ivey, who is
definitely one of my favorite missionaries ever. We've actually served
around each other a long time. Let's go back to April in Phelan. Hermana
Ivey was in my zone for about 4 weeks. Left for a couple transfers then
came back to the VVB zone. I never knew her much at all, but always
wanted to get to know here better, so going on exchanges was great! We
got to visit lots of people & I heard lots of spanish, but most of
them spoke some english as well. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The
best day of the week I'd have to say though was yesterday, Sunday, aka
my first Sunday at the Mojave Narrows ward. THIS WARD IS AMAZING. It was
the Christmas program & we were lucky enough to be part of that.
Sister Wood & I sang "Away in a Manger". Everyone was sooo kind
& told us how great we sounded. The YW Pres, Sister Bell, asked us to
come into YW & sing, the RS Pres asked us to sing at the end of RS,
Sister Curry asked us if we could come to her home sometime before
Christmas to sing so she could record us & add it to her playlist,
& during church Landon Ebmeyer (who is in our YSA ward & his dad
is the Apple Valley Stake President) texted us & said his dad wants
us to come sing for his family after church. After church we went to
the Ebmeyer's & turns out there was about 30 people there. They were
having their annual Christmas family party. President Ebmeyer said
"Last Sunday I had the privilege of being in the YSA ward & these
two sisters sang & I swear the angels themselves stopped to listen. I
came home to tell my wife about it. My sons Landon & Dallon both
came home & were telling their mom about their song. & Tory (his
nephew) went home & told his mom about them." So pretty much he was
hyping us up SOOO much which made us pretty nervous haha. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">ANNELISE
HELPED YOU MAKE PUMPKIN BREAD?!? that is just tooooo cute! did you get
any pictures?!?! I'll tell you what it means to be an STL when we skype,
so remind me! haha</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">LOVE YOU SO MUCH SEE YOU ON CHRISTMAS!!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-40433527068152378562015-12-15T14:26:00.000-08:002015-12-15T14:26:48.686-08:00Email from 12/14<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I'm feeling SO OLD!! Ah, I never thought I'd live to see the day I'd be 21...</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This week was a really good week, but it was one of the longest weeks of my life & I couldn't tell you why. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1449228751" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tuesday</span></span>
we had zone meeting. So at the last transfer, President made a bunch of
changes in the mission, including combining zones. In the past there
were 2 Apple Valley zones, but now we're all one BIG zone. It's pretty
great though. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1449228752" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Wednesday</span></span> at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1449228753" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">10am</span></span>
we had a meeting with the zone leaders & President & Sister
Hobbs--for the leaders in the Apple Valley zone. It was a great meeting packed
full of information. Afterward we had our individual interviews with
President Hobbs. The first question he asked me was "When was the last
time you felt the spirit?" For some reason, I KNEW he was going to ask
that question. Luckily I was able to say the last time I felt the spirit
was that morning in my studies.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I
pondered that question & idea throughout the week. I think back to
before my mission--if I would've thought of that question & answered
it, I probably would've said something like "at my baptism" or "last
week at church". Both would've been true, but all too often we think of
big events or conferences are where we feel the spirit. The Holy Ghost
should be in every aspect of our lives; therefore, we should feel His
presence each & every day. I'm SO grateful to be a missionary &
to have had countless experiences with the spirit, where I now know what
He feels like & how He works with me. I want everyone to have that
experience. I want everyone to know & recognize the spirit's
promptings in their EVERYDAY life. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So my challenge to you is to slow
down & use the Holy Ghost's guidance in choices you make everyday.
Do things that will increase the spirit's presence, such as praying,
reading the scriptures, or doing good things for other people. Too often
we take for granted the greatest gift--the Holy Ghost. He should be our
constant companion to warn us of dangers, to prompt us to do good, to
give us feelings of love, peace & joy. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">After
our interviews we had the wonderful privilege of taking Sister Hobbs
out with us for a few hours! It was so neat to see Sister Hobbs in
action & BOY does she do a good job. We went out to lunch & she
talked to everyone in her sight! I knew I had to step up my game. We had
to stop at Stater Bros to get Hanna Schulthess a bday cupcake. The
first opportunity I had I started talking to a lady with an adorable
child & gave her a Christmas card :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1449228754" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span>
was my first exchange ever as an STL (sister training leader)! I went to Victorville with Sister
Carter. I knew of her before & I'd seen her around, but never
really talked with her. She is adorable! She's been out about 5 months
& is from Utah. Sister Wood stayed in our area with my MTC
companion, Sister Dinkel. It was a good day!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1449228755" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span>
we had to take our car into Pep boys for an oil change & stuff. We
planned on working on our area book while in there, but there's no time
for that when there's friendly people to talk to. We ended up spending
the whole time there talking to 2 different men. One was a man in his
70s who has been a firefighter for over 50 years & is also an
ordained minister. He was super kind. Then after he left, the man that
was sitting next to us struck up a conversation with us. He knows quite a
bit about the church & has gone to temple square before. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">After we
found out our car would take longer than normal, we called Sister Wagner
& Hammond to pick us up. We went to Hanna Schulthess' house to
weekly plan, because this girl, who just turned 18, is going to be the
most prepared missionary there ever was. She comes out teaching &
tracting with us about 3-4 times a week & she wanted to know how to
weekly plan. We told her it's super long & pretty boring, but she
didn't care. So we spent the rest of the afternoon weekly planning and then
went to our ward Christmas party. Man, Mojave Narrows really knows how
to throw a party! It was super fun. :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlPypXiBod4LWVV-ABPuKzVD8xt-bjOGqros_xdR2p7L6wnjiEMesuROaPL33BCjFfVxtdUAWajw4A6B9N4nKS8Ahs8jD0bB7-YQOv5tGut-LkHoppzlb87xrzLs9HOPO1WExVwem_6c/s1600/344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlPypXiBod4LWVV-ABPuKzVD8xt-bjOGqros_xdR2p7L6wnjiEMesuROaPL33BCjFfVxtdUAWajw4A6B9N4nKS8Ahs8jD0bB7-YQOv5tGut-LkHoppzlb87xrzLs9HOPO1WExVwem_6c/s400/344.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Well,
all week Sister Wood was keeping secrets from me about my bday. I was
hoping that moving to a new area nobody would know when my birthday was
& I could spend ONE birthday of my life not focused on me. But alas,
Sister Wood is the best & made sure EVERYONE knew. She even woke up
at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1449228756" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">5am</span></span> to decorate the house & make pancakes. Yeah, I know...haha</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We
got to sing in the YSA (young single adult) ward, our rendition of "Away in a Manger/Jesus
Once of Humble Birth". We had dinner with the Schulthess' & they
also celebrated Sister Wood's bday on the 30th. They gave us a couple
gifts :) <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5D_PWGNwsqMvfqLihR6NZd5V7mzWFdo1aHYJPVffc2Po4CoxuagFBCTRcvgSQVuAfCHKOPmL3hbbXdUwdByiC1s3J18-av1Ri6PXKu1LAUPe4G1r8WByiKNLszB-AUtVa25IcDt0Nmc/s1600/345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5D_PWGNwsqMvfqLihR6NZd5V7mzWFdo1aHYJPVffc2Po4CoxuagFBCTRcvgSQVuAfCHKOPmL3hbbXdUwdByiC1s3J18-av1Ri6PXKu1LAUPe4G1r8WByiKNLszB-AUtVa25IcDt0Nmc/s400/345.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Thanks for being the best family ever! I miss you all & love you!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">xoxo</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sister Viraldo</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-54997214331144506562015-12-08T19:45:00.000-08:002015-12-08T19:45:22.399-08:00Email from 12-7<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Okay, I'll start off with answering your questions since I'm usually not the best at that.</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Everything
is going pretty swell. Change is always hard, but it's really good! My
daily schedule is WAY crazier now than it was. I told you I'm in the Ridgecrest Young Single Adult (YSA) &
the Mojave Narrows wards, & that means that we cover BOTH! But alas, we
do not do it alone. We have ward mates in both wards, meaning a set of
elders. So how that works is that they split up our proselyting area, so
we have 1/2 & the elders have the other 1/2. But for YSA it's that
we teach the girls & the elders teach the guys.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">So
yes, covering 2 wards keeps us SUPER busy, which is really great a lot
of times, but it also makes it VERY difficult to not just be BUSY, but to
be PRODUCTIVE--meaning fulfilling our purpose as missionaries. It is
very easy to get appointments with less actives & recent converts all day,
even some investigators, but it leaves very little time for finding. And
a missionary who is not finding is not a missionary at all. So the
struggle is balancing appointments & finding time. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">As of right now
we go to one ward's sacrament meeting one week & the other the next
because they are both at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2142052310" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">1pm</span></span>, but come the new year Mojave Narrows will be at 9, so we will be in church/church meetings from <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2142052311" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">7:30am-4pm,</span></span> at least, every <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2142052312" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span>!
hahaha & people think 3 hours for church is long! It'll be really
nice, though, because then we'll get to be able to know the ward better.
It's tough getting to know everybody in 2 wards. I've found that it's
harder in the YSA ward because they're single people--in family wards
it's easy for me to group them into families then learn their names, but
it's different for the singles.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">My mailing address for letters & small packages is:</span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">17929 Siskiyou Rd Apt #6</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Apple Valley, Ca 92307</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">but for bigger packages send it to the mission office! You
never REALLY know what will happen with transfers, but if I had to
guess...I will die (finish) here, so it's pretty safe for people to send me
things with that address. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ahh
and it's SO FUN to live with Sister Wagner again! I LOVE her. I also love
her wardrobe, so we share a lot. It's just really nice to live with
another set of sisters. :)</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOPXQir5bzK9GRKbNMwO_2VLc4YJ4N0i2lCY_wLTNhNgshvhpMYCz-Ne3W2kZztHWYlQuFhK3S0buvLP7L5_OljYUNev7Nss-T2SCDjtlkQ3zIGMES-GU_23wEpylcoRs6AiNMkcG_kc/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOPXQir5bzK9GRKbNMwO_2VLc4YJ4N0i2lCY_wLTNhNgshvhpMYCz-Ne3W2kZztHWYlQuFhK3S0buvLP7L5_OljYUNev7Nss-T2SCDjtlkQ3zIGMES-GU_23wEpylcoRs6AiNMkcG_kc/s320/IMG_0275.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy together again with Sister Wagner!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span>Sister
Wood is from Orem, Utah & is awesome. She is so hardworking &
SELFLESS. If there is one word I could use it would be that. For
example, she volunteered us to help someone move on PDAY! I was not too
fond of the idea, since we only get from 10-6 as it is. PLUS our dinner
tonight is at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2142052313" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">4:45</span></span>.
After some repenting on my part, I was glad to help. She is a great
example to me of selfless service & love. And yes, she is a great
singer. We sing together all the time. We've been singing "Silent Night"
for members/nonmembers we meet :)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span>So this week was a really great week! Here are some highlights:</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span>Monday
evening we had Family Home Evening at the institute with the YSAs, & we got to
teach the lesson! hahaha I say that very sarcastically, because it was
just sprung on us when we got there, but luckily Sister Wood is on top
of things & came up with a great lesson.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span>We
stopped by to see our investigator, V. She is a woman in her low
60s. She is just the SWEETEST! We watched the Restoration video with her
& testified of Joseph Smith & the Book of Mormon. She says she
will be baptized when she knows it's true. YAY for the Holy Ghost &
how He testifies of truth!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2142052314" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span> I got to experience my first MLC--Mission Leadership Council. It was so great! It's a meeting that happens the first <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2142052315" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span>
of every month for the Zone Leaders & Sister Training leaders in
the mission. It is run by President & Sister Hobbs & the APs (assistants to the President).
They invited the old Stake President from Chino to talk to us because
this month we are studying as a mission chapter 13, Stake & Ward
leaders. It was super good! It's fun to see President Hobbs in a
different setting, who knew he was so funny? They also fed us lunch!
When we were getting our food President asked me "do you miss
Wrightwood? You did great work there." That made me happy to hear! :)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span>There was a pretty big Christmas tree lighting ceremony <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2142052317" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Saturday</span></span>
where local groups set up tables & hand stuff out. Our stake set up
a table & handed out cookies & pass along cards. A few
missionaries went to help & Sister Wood & I ended up singing
Christmas carols for 1.5 hours. It was so fun to see how it made the
passerbys so happy :)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2142052318" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span>
we went to Mojave Narrows ward council & I got to meet some of the
"celestial members" as Sister Wood calls them. She has talked SO much
about this ward & how great it is. I got to see a little glimpse of
it so far, & it's definitely living up to its expectations. We went
to church at the YSA ward & afterward had "break the fast". Yummyyy
food. Then watched the Christmas devotional. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span>Exchanges are coming up this week & I'm a little nervous, but it'll be great! We have one <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2142052319" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Thursday</span></span> & one <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2142052320" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Saturday</span></span>. I love being a missionary, especially at the Christmastime because it's not weird to talk about Jesus every hour of every day!!!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span>Hope you all have a great week & THANK YOU for the birthday wishes. I feel so old.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span>:)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span>xoxo Sister Viraldo</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1049329157692198989.post-76501779499564128002015-12-02T09:39:00.001-08:002015-12-02T09:39:59.119-08:00New transfers, new opportunities (11-30 Email)<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;">Hello!!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;">I
am writing to you from Apple Valley with my new companion, Sister Wood!
I've been called to be a Sister Training Leader in the Ridgecrest YSA
& Mojave Narrows wards. I'm really looking forward to this new
opportunity to grow, yet was super sad to leave the beautiful
Wrightwood. BUT I am STL over all the sisters in the high
desert (about 9 sets)--meaning I get to go on exchanges in Wrightwood!! ALSO I am
living in the same house as my first born, Sister Wagner! :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4wK8wi_2ipeuqgEv3zybuBCnyO7BLXVaniZ22DnImfoj9Re-L4KVTL8yzTpODy0fU4sXsRFALvIh6poYawETUtmUHGSmh_-eFDbrXB3vH1uZRnoJkLp8vVv8_G2ZICDFm179a2yihBs/s1600/340+Sister+Wood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4wK8wi_2ipeuqgEv3zybuBCnyO7BLXVaniZ22DnImfoj9Re-L4KVTL8yzTpODy0fU4sXsRFALvIh6poYawETUtmUHGSmh_-eFDbrXB3vH1uZRnoJkLp8vVv8_G2ZICDFm179a2yihBs/s400/340+Sister+Wood.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new companion, Sister Wood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwsnG3NI2hDViML-lLtSedAZ3vZgnCPgUfmflHe8Ni9NLVfZFoivUy5VaYG80XuiQFAx6EvT0gkXE50mOgIpWDqgBGrYqikln1AmxsIB43aRmNusdG3K10gUbztw4Z-4qvK7lXL90vYk/s1600/339+My+daughters+11-30-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwsnG3NI2hDViML-lLtSedAZ3vZgnCPgUfmflHe8Ni9NLVfZFoivUy5VaYG80XuiQFAx6EvT0gkXE50mOgIpWDqgBGrYqikln1AmxsIB43aRmNusdG3K10gUbztw4Z-4qvK7lXL90vYk/s400/339+My+daughters+11-30-15.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughters! Sister Wagner and Sister Anderson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I'm
amazed at the stark contrast between the world's definition of a leader
& the Lord's definition. The world sees leaders as those who can
exercise control & power over people & gaining praise &
honor along the way. Jesus Christ was the greatest leader. But He did
not exercise control over those he led. He served them in the very
greatest sense. I know that I've been called to be a leader not to gain
any praise or honor, but to serve. I'm SO grateful for this opportunity
to serve the Lord & now my fellow sister missionaries on an even
greater level. I'm really looking forward to learn from each of them
& to grow as a missionary.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">This last week was great! Ya know, Thanksgiving & everything :)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday
(Sunday) was a bittersweet day for sure. I had the privilege of bearing my
testimony in sacrament meeting & singing "Thy Word Is A Lamp Unto My
Feet". The response from the members was amazing. I'm forever grateful
for my gift of music & how much it can bless the lives of others as I
use it for good. Every time someone tells me "you have a gift", "I felt
the spirit so strong when you were singing", "that was so moving", etc.
I am reaffirmed that THAT is exactly what Heavenly Father wants me to
do: bless others' lives through music. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I love this work, I love this gospel. It is a gospel of HAPPINESS! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">I LOVE LIFE BECAUSE IT'S OFFICIALLY CHRISTMASTIME! Go watch the new Christmas video "A Savior Is Born" on <a href="http://christmas.mormon.org/" target="_blank">christmas.mormon.org</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">xoxo</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Sister Viraldo</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08232114430850958373noreply@blogger.com0